misidentify

Definitions

To identify someone or something incorrectly.

To mistake the identity of a person or object.

Examples

The witness was afraid that they might misidentify the suspect in the police lineup.

It is easy to misidentify this rare species of bird if you are not familiar with its unique markings.

The software began to misidentify legitimate emails as spam after the latest security update.

Synonyms

mistake misjudge misinterpret confuse misconstrue misread misclassify

Antonyms

identify recognize distinguish ascertain determine diagnose verify