misidentify
Call someone else
To misidentify is to identify incorrectly—to mistake one person or thing for another: Witnesses misidentified the suspect in a lineup.
The error can be consequential or trivial: The lab misidentified the specimen as benign.
A misidentification is the noun form.
Incorrectly identifying something
- misclassificationErroneous categorical assignment
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
- misattributionCrediting the wrong source
- misreadingIncorrect interpretation of text
misjudgment · mistake · confusion · mix-up · oversight · inaccuracy · misperception · misinterpretation
Untrue claim of wrongdoing
- wrongful arrestDetention lacking legal justification
- lineupOrdered list of participants
- mugshotPolice identification photograph
- suspectBelieve to be likely
perpetrator · alibi · exoneration · wrongful conviction · innocence · defendant · testimony · witness
Unfairly blamed person
- injusticeDenial of fair treatment
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- stigmatizeMark with dishonor
- smearSpread or defame
incriminate · frame · victimize · witch hunt · character assassination · persecution · vilification · profiling
misrecognition
Incorrectly identifying something
- misclassificationErroneous categorical assignment
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
- misattributionCrediting the wrong source
misreading · misjudgment · mistake · confusion · mix-up · oversight · inaccuracy · misperception · misinterpretation · misconception
false accusation
Untrue claim of wrongdoing
- wrongful arrestDetention lacking legal justification
- lineupOrdered list of participants
- mugshotPolice identification photograph
suspect · perpetrator · alibi · exoneration · wrongful conviction · innocence · defendant · testimony · witness · cross-examination
scapegoat
Unfairly blamed person
- injusticeDenial of fair treatment
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- stigmatizeMark with dishonor
smear · incriminate · frame · victimize · witch hunt · character assassination · persecution · vilification · profiling · stereotype