<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to direct for information or anything required: He referred me to books on astrology.</li><li>to direct the attention or thoughts of: The asterisk refers the reader to a footnote.</li><li>to hand over or submit for information, consideration, treatment, assistance, decision, etc.: They were forced to refer the argument to arbitration. The doctor will decide whether to carry out blood tests in the office or to refer the patient to a hospital.</li><li>to recommend: My electrician went above and beyond, and I would definitely refer her to a friend.</li><li>to assign to a class, period, etc.; regard as belonging or related: Animals referred to the phylum Platyhelminthes are also known as flatworms due to their flattened bodies.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>impute</li><li>ascribe</li><li>attribute</li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to have recourse or resort to; turn to, as for aid or information: I can't remember the answer offhand, so I'll have to refer to my notes.</li><li>to mention; speak briefly of: The author referred to his teachers twice in the article.</li><li>to relate to; apply to; mean or denote: The term “contingency fee” refers to an arrangement where legal fees are due to the attorney only if the case is successful.</li><li>to direct attention to, as a reference mark does: Each number refers to an endnote.</li></ul>