Definition of declassify

The word "declassify" has its origins in the Latin words "de" meaning "from" and "classificare" meaning "to classify". The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the act of removing something from a classification or category. In the context of government and military, "declassify" refers to the process of making previously confidential or classified information publicly available. In the 1970s, the term gained widespread use in the context of national security and espionage, particularly during the Watergate scandal. During this time, the US government was forced to declassify specific information to comply with congressional investigations and subpoenas. Today, "declassify" is used in various contexts, including government, business, and education, to describe the act of making previously restricted information accessible to the public or a wider audience.