sideswipe

[sahyd-swahyp]

verb (used with object)

sideswiped, sideswiping 

1. to scrape or hit with a sweeping stroke along the side.

   That car must’ve sideswiped mine when it backed out of the parking space.

noun

1. a sweeping stroke or scrape along the side.

   We can fix that sideswipe and repaint the car door for a reasonable price.

   By checking your mirror before changing lanes, you can avoid sideswipes.

sideswipe

/ ˈsaɪdˌswaɪp /

noun

1. a glancing blow or hit along or from the side

2. an unexpected criticism of someone or something while discussing another subject

verb

1. to strike (someone) with such a blow

Other Word Forms

• sideswiper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sideswipe¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1900–05; side ¹ + swipe

Example Sentences

He was sideswiped last year by a small tractor, injuring his hip.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But he is just as frequently sideswiped by family crises created by the disasters he married and birthed.

Read more on Salon

Newfound fame, a pandemic and disturbing allegations against a teammate sideswiped the stars of ‘Cheer.’

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In December last year, the Philippines said China's coast guard fired water cannons and "sideswiped" a government vessel during a maritime patrol near the Scarborough Shoal.

Read more on BBC

Tailed by deputies, the suspect sideswiped a semi-truck but continued driving.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bang 
• break up 
• bump 
• crash 
• hit 
• shatter 
• smash 
• strike