refer

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To mention or talk about something or someone.

   To explain the problem, the teacher referred to an example in another textbook.

2. 2
   verb

   To send someone to a person or place for help or information.

   The shop assistant referred me to the help desk on the ground floor.

3. 3
   verb

   To send a patient to a specialist for treatment or advice.

   The doctor referred her to a heart specialist.

4. 4
   verb

   To be about or connected to something.

   There were many questions referring to the professor's talk.

From Middle English referren, from Old French referer, from Latin referre. The noun (used in journalism) is from the verb. Doublet of relate. See also infer, collate and confer, delate and defer, as well as prelate and prefer among others.

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