misidentify

[mis-ahy-den-tuh-fahy, -i-den-]

verb (used with object)

misidentified, misidentifying 

1. to identify incorrectly.

Other Word Forms

• misidentification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misidentify¹

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

Example Sentences

In a statement, a DHS spokesperson misidentified the police department, describing it as the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and said local authorities had the man in custody but then set him free.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Thompson says he is bringing the legal challenge because he is worried about the impact LFR could have on others, particularly if young people are misidentified.

From BBC

The misidentified organization, Operation Healthy Hearts, actually works to provide essential goods and services to unhoused community members.

From Salon

The UK Airprox Board, which investigates near misses, concluded the pilot had misidentified red flashing lights belonging to an F-15 Eagle.

From BBC

Army Corps of Engineers have prompted the premature removal of trees in the Palisades, hundreds of which were misidentified by unqualified contractors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amaze 
• astonish 
• astound 
• baffle 
• bewilder 
• discombobulate 
• dumbfound 
• embarrass 
• faze 
• mystify 
• perplex 
• puzzle 
• rattle 
• startle 
• surprise