Classified Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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classified
[หklรฆsษชfaษชd ]
Definitions
top secret
Kept secret from all but a few people, especially because it is a matter of national security.
Synonyms
confidential, restricted, secret.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| classified |
Used commonly in government, military, or corporate settings to describe information that is officially designated as needing protection from unauthorized access.
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| confidential |
Used to indicate that information is meant to be kept private or secret, often in professional, medical, or legal contexts.
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| restricted |
Used to describe information or areas that are limited to certain people. Often seen in organizations with access control policies.
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| secret |
Used broadly to describe something that is meant to be hidden or unknown by others. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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Examples of usage
- The classified documents were locked in a secure vault.
- The government agent refused to discuss the classified information.
information
To designate or arrange in classes according to shared qualities or characteristics.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| categorize |
Use this word when you want to divide things into specific categories or groups based on similar characteristics.
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| organize |
This word fits situations where you want to arrange or put things in order to improve efficiency, accessibility, or neatness.
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| sort |
Use this word when arranging items into different groups, usually in a more general or informal setting compared to 'categorize' or 'classify'. It often implies a simpler or more manual process.
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Examples of usage
- The documents were classified based on their level of sensitivity.
- The books in the library were classified by genre.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Government and Military
- Many countries, including the U.S., classify documents into levels like 'confidential,' 'secret,' and 'top secret' to protect national security.
- Classified information can include anything from military tactics to intelligence reports, controlling access to sensitive data.
- The Freedom of Information Act allows citizens to request access to some classified documents after a set time, promoting transparency.
Technology
- Cybersecurity has become critical in protecting classified information, especially with the rise of hacking threats and data breaches.
- Secure networks and protocols are used to transmit classified data, especially in governmental and military communications.
- Machine learning is now employed to help categorize and process classified information, enhancing efficiency within agencies.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Manchurian Candidate' and 'Enemy of the State' often revolve around classified information and its implications in espionage.
- Television shows like '24' have highlighted the tension of dealing with classified material and the urgent need to keep secrets.
- Books like 'The Bourne Identity' showcase how classified information can change a personโs life dramatically.
Psychology
- The mental burden of holding classified information can lead to stress, as individuals are often required to keep secrets.
- Decision-making can be influenced by classified information, especially in high-stakes environments where limited knowledge affects judgments.
- The โneed to knowโ principle ensures that only those who require access to classified info receive it, fostering both trust and anxiety among individuals.
Origin of 'classified'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin root 'classis,' which means a group or category.
- In English, 'classified' began to be widely used in the late 19th century, primarily in the context of organized information.
- The word evolved to often refer specifically to secret or sensitive information, especially in government and military contexts.
The word 'classified' originated from the Latin word 'classificare', which means 'to arrange in classes'. Over time, the term came to be associated with information that is kept secret or restricted. In modern usage, 'classified' is commonly used in government and military contexts to refer to sensitive information that is not meant for public knowledge.
See also: class, classes, classic, classical, classicalist, classification, classifications, classify, classily, classroom, classy, outclass, reclassify, subclassing, unclassified, underclassmen, upperclassmen.