verb

file

Translation

to file, to submit, to smooth

Please file these reports alphabetically.

We need to file our taxes soon.

She filed her nails before the party.

((sth.)) to put (sth.) in a file or submit it officially Please file these reports.

((for sth.)) to make a formal request for sth. He filed for divorce.

Synonyms: (documents) organize, categorize; (application) submit, register

From Latin 'filum' (thread), from the old practice of stringing documents on a thread to keep them in order.

Think of 'filing' papers into a folder, 'filing' a lawsuit with a court, or 'filing' down a rough edge.