Synonyms

misidentify

American

[mis-ahy-den-tuh-fahy, -i-den-] / ˌmɪs aɪˈdɛn təˌfaɪ, -ɪˈdɛn- /

verb (used with object)

misidentified, misidentifying

to identify incorrectly.

Other Word Forms

misidentification noun

Etymology

Origin of misidentify

First recorded in 1890–95; mis- ¹ + identify

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to the Washington Post, the school was likely misidentified as an Iranian military site.

From Salon

The images suggest the base was the intended target but raise questions over whether the school was misidentified or accidentally struck.

From The Wall Street Journal

Being misidentified as a hostile target is a major risk for aircraft.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I have a south Flintshire accent. Last time I checked, south Flintshire is in the confines of our beautiful country known as Wales," is Rule's response to being misidentified.

From BBC

Missiles were crisscrossing the region and civilian planes risked being misidentified as a hostile target, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023