steal someone's identity
To assume another person's identity, usually to gain access to that person's finances or to frame a person for a crime; to commit identity theft.
ADJ
true
assumed, false
The criminal used a false identity to open a bank account and steal money.
mistaken
The police officer apologized after realizing he had arrested someone with a mistaken identity.
new | common, corporate, cultural, national, personal, political, racial, sexual
VERB + IDENTITY
create, develop, establish, forge
Young people often develop their identity through the music and fashion they choose.
give sb/sth
Working as a nurse gave her a strong sense of identity and purpose.
maintain, preserve
After moving to a new country, she worked hard to preserve her family's identity.
lose
change
After witnessing the accident, she decided to change her identity and start a completely new life.
assume
The spy assumed a different identity to infiltrate the criminal organization.
disclose, reveal
The witness would not disclose her identity to protect her safety.
discover, find out
guess
Nobody could guess her true identity until she revealed she was the famous actor.
conceal, hide, keep secret, protect
The witness asked the police to protect her identity during the trial.
IDENTITY + NOUN
bracelet, tag | card, documents, papers | code
parade
The police asked the witness to look at the identity parade and point out the suspect.
crisis
After moving to a new country, she struggled with an identity crisis for several months.
PREP
~ as
Japan maintains its identity as a leader in technology and innovation.
PHRASES
proof of identity
To open a bank account, you'll need to provide proof of identity such as a passport.
a search for identity
Many teenagers go through a difficult period while searching for their own identity.
a sense of identity