Meaning of 'sift'

verb

distinguish and separate out

Example: "sift through the job candidates"

Synonyms: sieve

verb

separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements

Example: "sift the flour"

Synonyms: strain

verb

check and sort carefully

Example: "sift the information"

Synonyms: sieve

verb

move as if through a sieve

Example: "The soldiers sifted through the woods"