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

Footage filmed by a freelance journalist working for the BBC at Nasser's mortuary appeared to show the body of a blindfolded man.

Read more on BBC

Videos have circulated of Hamas killing blindfolded and kneeling men who they have accused of collaborating with the Israelis.

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Think blindfolded obstacle courses, pool noodle wars—and the ping-pong ball game.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After covering his eyes with a blindfold, gagging him with a sock and taping his mouth shut, the suspect dragged the man to a car, threatening to put him in the trunk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The teaser also shows the celebrities taking part in their first mission, and sitting at the round table for the first time, wearing their blindfolds.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• curtain 
• screen