false hit
Incorrect positive result
A false hit is a result that appears to match search criteria but doesn't actually satisfy what you're looking for.
In database searches, drug testing, or security screening, a false hit triggers a positive response when the true answer should be negative—also called a false positive.
The name flagged a false hit in the terrorist database.
- errorFault in communication
- glitchMinor system fault
- misfireFailure to discharge
- crying wolfIssuing false warnings
- phantomInsubstantial apparition
noise · artifact · spurious · alarm · trigger · detection · radar · blip · ghost · red herring · anomaly · mismatch · fluke · bogus · decoy · wrong number · misread · interference