self-identify

American

[self-ahy-den-ti-fahy, ‐i-den-ti-fahy] / ˈsɛlf aɪˈdɛn tɪˌfaɪ, ‐ɪˈdɛn tɪˌfaɪ /

verb (used without object)

identify.

to self-identify as gay; to self-identify with others in the same situation.

verb (used with object)

identify.

I've never self-identified myself with that radical mentality. She sometimes self-identifies herself with her patients.

Other Word Forms

self-identification noun

Etymology

Origin of self-identify

First recorded in 1960–65; self ( def. ) + identify ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The court orders cover the identities of those who survived the shooting, but allow the survivors to self-identify if they wish.

From BBC

Kara didn't self-identify by the 6 June deadline, so is waiting to see if the military flags her for separation - the 30-day window means that should happen by 6 July.

From BBC

Schickler and others said that, according to the latest estimates, more than 3 million registered voters in California self-identify as limited-English proficient.

From Los Angeles Times

Multiple surveys show that Americans under 30 self-identify as Christian at the same rate as the millennial generation before them, though still at far lower levels than older Americans.

From Salon

In 2022, the Scottish government introduced a law that would allow people to "self-identify" in their desired gender.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023