blindfold

blindfold — noun

IPA/ˈblaɪndfəʊld/
KK[blˈaɪndfˌold]IPA/ˈblaɪndfəʊld/
  • blindfoldsingular
  • blindfoldsplural

1. a piece of cloth tied over the eyes so a person cannot see

1.nounB2
Definition

a piece of cloth tied over the eyes so a person cannot see

Example

Priya tied a blindfold over her brother's eyes before the game.

collocation: tie a blindfold over someone's eyes

A thick blindfold kept Yusuf from seeing the circus animals.

Common collocations
  • tie a blindfold over someone's eyes
  • wear a blindfold
  • remove a blindfold
Synonyms
  • eye mask

    Usually for sleep or travel, not for blocking sight on purpose.

  • bandage

    A medical covering; it is not mainly used to stop someone from seeing.

  • hood

    Covers more of the head or face than a blindfold does.

Usage Note

Usually for a temporary covering used in games, tests, or transport. For sleep or travel comfort, eye mask is more common.

Common Mistakes

The doctor put a blindfold over his mouth.
The doctor put a mask over his mouth.
A blindfold covers the eyes, not the mouth.

blindfold — verb

IPA/ˈblaɪnd.fəʊld/
KK[blˈaɪndfˌold]IPA/ˈblaɪnd.foʊld/

blindfold — adverb

IPA/ˈblaɪnd.fəʊld/
KK[blˈaɪndfˌold]IPA/ˈblaɪnd.foʊld/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For noun/1, blindfold is the clearest word for something put over a person's eyes to stop sight for a short time. An eye mask is softer and is usually for sleep, rest, or travel, not for a game or control. A bandage can cover the eyes in medical care, but helping an injury is its main purpose, not blocking vision. A hood may also stop someone from seeing, but it covers much more of the head or face. If you want the simple literal idea of shutting out sight by covering the eyes, blindfold is the best choice. Compare: 'The children wore blindfolds during the guessing game.' 'She put on an eye mask before the flight.'

blindfold ↗eye maskbandage ↗hood ↗

Etymology

English

The word was formed in English from blind and fold. It first referred to a folded piece of cloth put over the eyes to block sight. From that literal noun, English also developed the verb blindfold and later the adverb use for doing something with the eyes covered.