assify
|as-si-fy|
/ˈæsɪfaɪ/
make (into) an ass; render foolish/spoil
Etymology
'assify' originates from English, specifically the noun 'ass' and the productive verbal suffix '-ify', where 'ass' meant 'fool' and '-ify' (ultimately from Latin '-ificare') meant 'to make or to become'.
'-ify' comes from Latin ' -ificare' (from 'facere', 'to do/make') and entered English via Old French/Medieval Latin; the modern English formation 'assify' is a relatively recent, informal back-formation combining 'ass' + '-ify'.
Initially a literal formation meaning 'make into an ass' (i.e., render foolish); over time its use has expanded figuratively to include 'spoil' or 'make ineffective' and colloquial senses of 'act like an ass.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make someone appear foolish or to make a fool of someone.
They tried to assify the witness with sarcastic questions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to ruin, bungle, or render something ineffective or worthless.
A few bad edits can assify the whole report.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
to behave like an ass; act foolishly or obnoxiously (intransitive use, colloquial).
Stop trying to assify the conversation — it's getting childish.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/03 07:30