To fail to recognize or establish the identity of something or someone; to be unable to determine the specific characteristics or origin of something. This often implies a situation where distinguishing features are absent, obscured, or intentionally concealed. It can apply to objects, individuals, or even abstract concepts. The act of 'unidentifying' contrasts with the process of identifying, which involves specifying the details of something or someone to make them recognizable. It often pertains to situations of mystery, disguise, or information ambiguity, where a clear or definitive classification remains unattainable. The inability to identify can be unintentional, resulting from natural processes or a lack of information, or intentional, serving a purpose such as preserving anonymity or avoiding detection.
Unidentify meaning with examples
- The forensic team worked tirelessly to unidentify the skeletal remains found at the crime scene, hoping to piece together clues about the victim's past. Despite their efforts, the extensive decomposition made the task challenging, making it difficult to establish age, gender, or cause of death. They hoped dental records might help.
- The security footage depicted a shadowy figure, making it impossible to unidentify the perpetrator. The poor resolution and the use of a mask obscured all recognizable facial features, and the clothing provided no specific details, leaving investigators frustrated and unable to establish a suspect list.
- The artist's avant-garde painting intentionally sought to unidentify specific objects or figures. Through abstract forms and a lack of discernible narrative, he aimed to invite interpretation, rendering any concrete 'reading' difficult or absent. It was meant to be a blank canvas for ideas.
- During the witness protection program, families often have to unidentify their previous lives for their protection. They discard old identification, and records, and reinvent themselves completely. This creates a new reality that protects them from danger but can be isolating.