blinkered

American  

[bling-kerd] / ˈblɪŋ kərd /

adjective

1. narrow-minded and subjective; unwilling to understand another viewpoint.

   When in the Oval Office, Hoover was blinkered by his distrust of government.

2. having blinkers on; fitted with blinkers.

   a blinkered racehorse.

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blinkered British  

/ ˈblɪŋkəd /

adjective

1. considering only a narrow point of view

2. (of a horse) wearing blinkers

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Other Word Forms

• unblinkered adjective

Etymology

Origin of blinkered

First recorded in 1895–1900; blinker ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

When someone is blinkered, they're narrow-minded, or have a limited understanding. Your brother is blinkered by his belief that only boys should belong to his secret club. The adjective blinkered describes anyone who lacks the ability to include different viewpoints and experiences in their own understanding of the world. Your might think your grandfather wouldn't make a good president because, despite being a nice guy, he's blinkered by his old-fashioned opinions. This figurative meaning comes from the blinkers or "blinders" worn by horses that force them to focus only on the path in front of them.

Example Sentences

Ms. MacDonald’s love for the company—the book ends with a ranking of her 50 favorite Nintendo games—can veer toward blinkered adoration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

It takes a smart person to write geniuses, and Alice and Peter are brilliant, if blinkered.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

This is a blinkered and shallow understanding of religion that crumbles under historical or sociological scrutiny.

From Slate • Jul. 9, 2025

This blinkered attitude more than anything explains the decline in Mass attendance.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Jam lowered her head under the weight of their blinkered love and pushed her plate away, half her food untouched and the rest of it sour in her stomach.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi