Definition

To remove the official label that restricts access to certain information or documents, making them available to the public.

Example

The government decided to declassify the documents after many years.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear they might declassify some old documents soon?

Really? That sounds interesting!

Yeah, it could reveal a lot of secrets from the past.

I hope they declassify something really juicy!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Declassify → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "classis" (from Latin, meaning a class or category). The word means to remove something from a classified status or to lower its classification level.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') something from a 'class' or 'category' ('classis') — that's why declassify means to take something out of a classified status.

Visually Confused Words