classified

classify +‎ -ed

classified

1. simple past and past participle of classify

   Make sure all the field observations are classified by species.

classified (comparative more classified, superlative most classified)

1. Sorted into classes or categories.

   Coordinate terms: classed, categorized, grouped

2. Formally assigned by a government to one of several levels of sensitivity, usually (in English) top secret, secret, confidential, and, in some countries, restricted; thereby making disclosure to unauthorized persons illegal.

   We do not discuss specific interrogation techniques because they are classified information.

   • 1986, Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr., Top Gun (motion picture):

     Charlie: Where did you see this?
     Maverick: That's classified. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
     Charlie: I have Top Secret clearance. The Pentagon sees to it that I know more than you.

3. Not meant to be disclosed by a person or organization.

   Coordinate terms: private, secret

   I won't say who I'm going to the prom with; that's classified.

From classified advertisement, by shortening.

classified (plural classifieds)

1. (informal) A classified advertisement in a newspaper or magazine.

   He ran a classified for the tools he wanted to sell.