Un-naming

The act or process of removing or revoking a name or designation, or rendering a previously named entity nameless. It often implies a deliberate act of erasure, either literal or figurative, and can involve challenging established identities, removing recognition, or stripping something of its specific label. un-naming can be a political act, a symbolic gesture, or a practical process of renaming or reclassification. It signifies a change in how something is perceived or categorized.

Un-naming meaning with examples

• The community voted to begin the long process of un-naming a street previously named after a figure with a controversial past. This involved archival research, public hearings, and ultimately, a city council vote to rename it. The goal was to distance themselves from the person's legacy.
• After a major scientific discovery, the scientist proposed un-naming the existing classification of the species. It was determined the previous name was inaccurate and obscured the organism's true evolutionary relationship, leading to a new system of identifying the organism.
• The company's rebrand involved un-naming several of their product lines that had become associated with negative connotations. They strategically removed the old names to avoid brand damage and repositioned the products under different titles with updated marketing.
• The author chose to un-name the protagonist throughout much of the novel, using only descriptive pronouns. This fostered a sense of mystery and allowed readers to project their own interpretations onto the character, creating a deeply intimate experience.
• Following accusations of unethical behavior, the university decided to un-name a prestigious scholarship program that was linked to the accused individual. The university took this action to uphold their values and mitigate the negative impact.