file
To file is defined as to start the process of a legal action, to register or to put something on public record.
(verb)An example of to file is a husband submitting the paperwork to the court to start the process of divorcing his wife.
File means to put important papers away in an orderly way.
(verb)An example of to file is arranging papers in a cabinet in alphabetical order.
The definition of a file is a container into which important papers are arranged so they are easy to find in the future.
(noun)An example of a file is a cabinet with drawers and folders for papers.
See file in Webster's New World College Dictionary
- to arrange (papers, etc.) in order for future reference
- to put (a paper, etc.) in its proper place or order
- ☆ to dispatch (a news story) to a newspaper, news agency, etc.
- to register (an application, etc.)
- to put (a legal document) on public record
- to initiate (a divorce suit or other legal action)
Origin: ME filen < OFr filer, to string documents on thread, orig., to spin thread < LL filare, to spin < L filum, thread < IE base *gwhislo- > Lith gýsla, sinew
intransitive verb
- to move in a line: to file out of a building
- ☆ to register oneself as a candidate (for a political office)
- to make application (for divorce proceedings, etc.)
noun
- a container, as a folder, cabinet, etc., for keeping papers in order
- an orderly arrangement of papers, cards, etc., as for reference
- a line of persons or things situated one behind another
- any of the rows of squares on a chessboard extending from one player's end to the other
- Comput. a collection of data (or, often, of logically related records) stored and dealt with as a single, named unit
Origin: filesenses , , & < the v.; & < Fr file < L filum
noun
- a steel tool with a rough, ridged surface for smoothing, grinding down, or cutting through something
- Brit., Slang a crafty rascal
Origin: ME < OE feol (Mercian fil), akin to Ger feile < Du vijl, prob. < IE base *peik-, var. of *peig-, to scratch, prick > paint
See file in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A container, such as a cabinet or folder, for keeping papers in order.
- A collection of papers or published materials kept or arranged in convenient order.
- Computer Science A collection of related data or program records stored as a unit with a single name.
- a. A line of persons, animals, or things positioned one behind the other.b. A line of troops or military vehicles so positioned.
- Games Any of the rows of squares that run forward and backward between players on a playing board in chess or checkers.
- Archaic A list or roll.
- To put or keep (papers, for example) in useful order for storage or reference.
- To enter (a legal document) on public official record.
- To send or submit (copy) to a newspaper.
- To carry out the first stage of (a lawsuit, for example): filed charges against my associate.
- To march or walk in a line.
- To put items in a file.
- To make application; apply: filed for a job with the state; file for a divorce.
- To enter one's name in a political contest: filed for Congress.
Origin:
Origin: From Middle English filen, to put documents on file
Origin: , from Old French filer, to spin thread, to put documents on a thread
Origin: , from Late Latin fīlāre, to spin, draw out in a long line
Origin: , from Latin fīlum, thread; see gwhī- in Indo-European roots
.noun
- Any of several hardened steel tools with cutting ridges for forming, smoothing, or reducing especially metallic surfaces.
- A nail file.
- Chiefly British A crafty or artful person.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English
Origin: , from Old English fīl; see peig- in Indo-European roots
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file2
left to right: double-cut flat file, single-cut round file, and single-cut half-round file
transitive verb filed filed, fil·ing, files
Archaic
Origin:
Origin: Middle English filen
Origin: , from Old English fȳlan; see pū̆- in Indo-European roots
.noun
Origin:
Origin: Louisiana French
Origin: , from French
Origin: , past participle of filer, to spin thread (from its effect when added to hot liquids)
Origin: , from Old French; see file1
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