blindside

[blahynd-sahyd]

verb (used with object)

blindsided, blindsiding 

1. Sports.,  to tackle, hit, or attack (an opponent) from the blind side.

   The quarterback was blindsided and had the ball knocked out of his hand.

2. to attack critically where a person is vulnerable, uninformed, etc..

   The president was blindsided by the press on the latest tax bill.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blindside¹

First recorded in 1970–75; verb use of noun phrase blind side

Example Sentences

KION-TV’s news anchors, producers and other employees said they were confused and blindsided by the decision to immediately lay off the more than a dozen employees involved in news operations.

From Los Angeles Times

A number of SNP insiders I've spoken to seem a bit blindsided by this development.

From BBC

Sarover says she was "blindsided" by the breakup, which happened "so abruptly".

From BBC

Having Jackson available to protect Stafford’s blindside would be a plus for a Rams team regarded as a Super Bowl contender.

From Los Angeles Times

But in rural western Fresno County — where energy firms have planned multiple large-scale battery and solar projects — many residents feel blindsided.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bump 
• concussion 
• impact 
• jab 
• jolt 
• kick 
• punch 
• shock 
• slap 
• stroke 
• uppercut