identification

American  

[ahy-den-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, ih-den-] / aɪˌdɛn tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, ɪˌdɛn- /

noun

1. an act or instance of identifying; the state of being identified.

   Synonyms:

   affiliation, connection, association

2. something that identifies a person, animal, or thing.

   He carries identification with him at all times.

3. Sociology. acceptance as one's own of the values and interests of a social group.

4. Psychology.

   1. a process by which one ascribes to oneself the qualities or characteristics of another person.

   2. (in psychoanalytic theory) the transference or reaction to one person with the feelings or responses relevant to another, as the identification of a teacher with a parent.

   3. perception of another as an extension of oneself.

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identification British  

/ aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of identifying or the state of being identified

2. 1. something that identifies a person or thing

   2. ( as modifier )

      an identification card

3. psychol

   1. the process of recognizing specific objects as the result of remembering

   2. the process by which one incorporates aspects of another person's personality See also empathy

   3. the transferring of a response from one situation to another because the two bear similar features See also generalization

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Other Word Forms

• nonidentification noun
• overidentification noun
• preidentification noun
• reidentification noun

Etymology

Origin of identification

First recorded in 1635–45; identi(fy) + -fication

Example Sentences

The identification of GPR133 as a key regulator of bone strength opens up a new direction for treatment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

In the August poll, 45% of Republicans said federal agents should be required to show clear identification when carrying out their work.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

ICE agents would be required to wear identification badges and work without masks, and follow existing laws regarding warrants.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

But several more are reported to be severely disfigured, making identification difficult.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

She half drags me back toward the door, flashing her identification card to the guards and depositing me outside in front of the theater.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• description
• passport
• recognition
• testimony