Declassing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The act of officially removing a classified status or secrecy from documents or information
2. The process of making once-confidential data or materials available to a wider audience by lifting restrictions
3. When information or materials are formally downgraded from secret or restricted to open access

Etymology: "Declass" is formed from the prefix "de-", meaning removal or reversal, and "class", used in the sense of a grade or category. Official documents are placed in a security class, so to declass one is to remove it from that restricted grade and make it open. "Declassing" is the -ing form of this verb, naming the act itself.