sift in WordNet English dictionary

1. distinguish and separate out
   "sift through the job candidates"
   sieve  sift 
   
2. separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements
   "sift the flour"
   sift  sieve  strain 
   
3. check and sort carefully
   "sift the information"
   sieve  sift 
   
4. move as if through a sieve
   "The soldiers sifted through the woods"
   sift