| a verbal suffix meaning “to make,” “cause to be,” “render” (simplify; beautify); “to become,” “be made” (liquefy). The suffix was introduced into English in loan words from Old French (deify), but is also used in the formation of new words, usually on a Latin root (reify). |
| -fy or -ify suff. Cause to become; make: basify. [Middle English -fien, from Old French -fier, from Latin -ficāre, -ficārī, from -ficus, -fic.] |
