1
general::
refer to sb/sth
2. If writing or information refers to someone or something, it relates to that person or thing
• The new salary scale only refers to company managers and directors., refer ( sb ) to sth
to look at, or tell someone else to look at, a book or similar record in order to find information and help
• She spoke for an hour without once referring to her notes.
• He referred to a history book to find out the dates of the French Revolution.
• The reader is constantly referred back to the introduction., refer to sb/sth
1. to talk or write about someone or something, especially in only a few words
• In her autobiography she occasionally refers to her unhappy schooldays.
• He always refers to the house as his "refuge"., refer sb to sth
to direct someone or something to a different place or person for information, help or action, often to a person or group with more knowledge or power
• My doctor referred me to a hospital specialist.
• The High Court has referred the case to the Court of Appeal.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
verb PHRASAL VERBS refer to sb/sth ADV. briefly, in passing He referred to the report in passing. | specifically | commonly The disease was commonly referred to as ‘the green sickness’. | frequently, often | generally, usually | sometimes | always | never | jokingly VERB + REFER be used to The term ‘alexia’ is used to refer to any acquired disorder of reading. PREP. as She always referred to Ben as ‘that nice man’.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary