transitive verb

1. to pass through a sieve so as to separate the coarse from the fine particles, or to break up lumps, as of flour
2. to scatter (a pulverized substance) by or as by the use of a sieve
3. to inspect or examine with care, as by testing or questioning; weigh (evidence, etc.)
4. to separate; screen; distinguish to sift fact from fable

Etymology: ME siften < OE siftan < sife, sieve

intransitive verb

1. to sift something
2. to pass through or as through a sieve