Unrecognize

To fail to identify or acknowledge something or someone previously known or familiar. This can be due to a change in appearance, circumstance, or a failure of memory or perception. It implies a lack of recognition, where the subject is not correctly understood or identified. The act of unrecognizing can be caused by disguise, transformation, unfamiliarity, or simply a lapse in cognitive function. It highlights a disconnect between prior knowledge and present observation, leading to a failure to make a correct association.

Unrecognize meaning with examples

• The spy's extensive disguise was so effective that his own mother would unrecognize him, completely changing his hair, clothes and mannerisms. He counted on the elaborate makeup and false identity to successfully infiltrate the enemy base without raising any suspicion. The complete overhaul of his persona was crucial for his mission.
• Years of neglect and decay caused the once-vibrant garden to become nearly unrecognize, it had changed so completely and grown wild. Overgrown plants and dilapidated structures made it nearly unrecognizable, contrasting sharply with its former beauty, showcasing the ravages of time and nature.
• After a traumatic brain injury, the patient struggled to unrecognize familiar faces; memories had become fragmented, and recognition was hindered. Even his closest relatives appeared foreign to him, demonstrating the fragility of memory and the impact of neurological damage, his past experiences became distorted.
• The rapid technological advancements rendered many older devices unrecognize. New software updates and sleek designs made previous versions of the products obsolete. The shift in style left the older models looking dated and unfamiliar, reflecting the swift pace of innovation, which made them harder to incorporate.
• The artist intentionally distorted the image to make it almost unrecognize to convey a sense of mystery and bewilderment, creating an abstract expression. By manipulating colors and forms, she challenged the viewer's ability to identify the subject, promoting alternative interpretations in her paintings.