mistaken identity

"Mistaken identity" occurs when someone is incorrectly recognized as another person, which can lead to legal and social complications.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General

(common)When a person is incorrectly recognized as someone else.

Example

Due to mistaken identity, he was arrested for a crime he did not commit.

C1Law

(legal, technical)A defense in criminal cases claiming that witnesses wrongly identified the defendant as the perpetrator.

Example

The defense argued that it was a case of mistaken identity, and the real culprit was still at large.

C1Psychology

(academic)An error in perception where someone is wrongly thought to be another individual.

Example

False memories can contribute to cases of mistaken identity.