2sort verb
sorts; sort·ed; sort·ing [+ obj] 1 : to separate and put (people or things) in a particular order
▪ She started to sort the mail. ▪ They sorted the winners from the losers. ▪ The program can sort data alphabetically or numerically. — often + out ▪ He sorted out the socks by color. ▪ I finally sorted out the mess in the attic. 2 Brit, informal : to deal with (something or someone) in a successful way
▪ We need to get this problem sorted. [=sorted out]
▪ She started to sort the mail. ▪ They sorted the winners from the losers. ▪ The program can sort data alphabetically or numerically. — often + out ▪ He sorted out the socks by color. ▪ I finally sorted out the mess in the attic.
▪ We need to get this problem sorted. [=sorted out]
sort out [phrasal verb] 1 sort (something) out or sort out (something) a : to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking
▪ I'm trying to sort out [=find out, figure out] a way to do it.
b : to find an answer or solution for (something)
▪ He's still trying to sort out his problems. ▪ We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.
c ◊If something sorts itself out, it stops being a problem without anyone having to do anything.
▪ They decided to wait until things sorted themselves out. 2 sort (someone) out or sort out (someone) a : to solve the problems of (someone)
▪ They're still trying to sort their son out. [=trying to sort out their son's problems] ▪ I just need a little more time to sort myself out.
b Brit, informal : to deal with (someone who is causing problems) in a forceful way
▪ I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me). — see also 2sort 1 (above)
▪ I'm trying to sort out [=find out, figure out] a way to do it.
b : to find an answer or solution for (something)
▪ He's still trying to sort out his problems. ▪ We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.
c ◊If something sorts itself out, it stops being a problem without anyone having to do anything.
▪ They decided to wait until things sorted themselves out.
▪ They're still trying to sort their son out. [=trying to sort out their son's problems] ▪ I just need a little more time to sort myself out.
b Brit, informal : to deal with (someone who is causing problems) in a forceful way
▪ I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me). — see also 2sort 1 (above)
sort through [phrasal verb]
sort through (something) : to look at things and put them in a particular order especially while you are searching for something
▪ He sorted through the papers.
▪ He sorted through the papers.
— sort·er noun, plural sort·ers [count]
