identification

[ahy-den-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, ih-den-]

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.

identification

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of identification¹

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

Example Sentences

The carmaker said the data that had been accessed by the cyber-attack included some or all of: customer names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone number, vehicle identification numbers and vehicle registration details.

From BBC

"He is a British citizen of Syrian descent," the force said, yet added that formal identification is yet to take place.

From BBC

Starting Wednesday, newly issued driver’s license and identification cards will include additional features, including a first-in-the-nation digital signature, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

The best way to build a stronger, more unified military would, of course, be to make people feel welcome regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or gender identification.

From Salon

“Get your cell phones out — record what you see. Put it on social media. Peacefully ask for badge numbers and identification. Speak up for your neighbors,” the governor posted on social media.

From Salon

Related Words

• description 
• passport 
• recognition 
• testimony