blindfold

[blahynd-fohld]

verb (used with object)

1. to prevent or occlude sight by covering (the eyes) with a cloth, bandage, or the like; cover the eyes of.

2. to impair the awareness or clear thinking of.

   Don't let their hospitality blindfold you to the true purpose of their invitation.

noun

1. a cloth or bandage put before the eyes to prevent seeing.

adjective

1. with the eyes covered.

   a blindfold test.

2. rash; unthinking.

   a blindfold denunciation before knowing the facts.

blindfold

/ ˈblaɪndˌfəʊld /

verb

1. to prevent (a person or animal) from seeing by covering (the eyes)

2. to prevent from perceiving or understanding

noun

1. a piece of cloth, bandage, etc, used to cover the eyes

2. any interference to sight

adjective

1. having the eyes covered with a cloth or bandage

2. chess not seeing the board and pieces

3. rash; inconsiderate

Other Word Forms

• unblindfolded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blindfold¹

1520–30; alteration, by association with fold ¹, of blindfell to cover the eyes, strike blind, Middle English blindfellen; blind, fell ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of blindfold¹

changed (C16) through association with _fold ¹ from Old English blindfellian to strike blind; see _blind , _fell ²

Example Sentences

As such, the rangers have to physically immobilise the creatures before they can be blindfolded and transported.

Read more on Barron's

"Imagine, 100 days from five in the morning until 11 at night, sitting on your knees, handcuffed, blindfolded, forbidden to speak or talk," Abu Sedo said.

Read more on Barron's

He said he was kept blindfolded for three weeks, had stones pushed into his ears to limit his hearing, and had his rations of food and water reduced.

Read more on BBC

The indictment said the detainee, who was shackled and blindfolded, was beaten and stabbed with a sharp object near his rectum, resulting in serious injuries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Moments later, Mohammed was blindfolded, family members said, his hands zip-tied behind his back, and pushed into one of the vehicles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curtain 
• screen