sort vs sort out

sort is a noun but sort out is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
sort	Yes	No	Yes	No
sort out	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, sort and sort out are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of sort include assort, class, classify, separate.

sort (noun)	sort out (noun)
an approximate definition or example
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
a person of a particular character or nature
an operation that segregates items into groups according to a specified criterion

sort (verb)	sort out (verb)
arrange or order by classes or categories	arrange or order by classes or categories
examine in order to test suitability	make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
	punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience