refer to somebody/something phrasal verb ( see also ↑ refer )
1 . to mention or speak about someone or something:
We agreed never to refer to the matter again.
Although she didn’t mention any names, everyone knew who she was referring to.
refer to somebody/something as
He likes to be referred to as ‘Doctor Khee’.
refer to somebody/something by
The hospital now refers to patients by name, not case number.
2 . to look at a book, map, piece of paper etc for information:
He gave the speech without referring to his notes.
3 . if a statement, number, report etc refers to someone or something, it is about that person or thing:
The figures refer to our sales in Europe.
4 . refer somebody/something to somebody to send someone or something to a person or organization to be helped or dealt with:
My doctor is referring me to a dermatologist.
My complaint was referred to the manufacturers.
5 . refer somebody to something formal to tell someone where to find information:
Readers are referred to the bibliography for further information.