verb
refer
rih-FUR/rɪˈfɜːr/
To direct attention or a matter to another source.
The librarian refers the patron to the correct shelf for the needed information.
Etymology
Literally “carry back,” refer first meant tracing something back to its origin. The idea extended to submitting a matter to an authority and directing someone to a source of information.
In context
there were attempts to refer the situation in Syria to the international criminal court
More examples
- She refers to her childhood in the opening chapter.
- I refer to the manual when the printer jams.
- We refer billing disputes to the accounting department.
Forms
refer · refers · referred · referring
referral noun — Directing someone elsewhere for help or consideration.
reference noun — A mention of someone or something.