plural SCIFs
: a specially designed and secure room or enclosure in which highly classified government documents can be viewed by authorized personnel
The most commonly known SCIF is one of the most secured rooms within the White House—The Situation Room.—Chandelis Duster
There are thousands of SCIFs in Washington and beyond, tucked into federal buildings, military installations, embassies and government contracting offices. They can range from phonebooth-sized rooms to entire floors of buildings.—Derek Hawkins et al.
called also sensitive compartmented information facility
Cite this Entry
“SCIF.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SCIF. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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