A blindfold is a piece of cloth or material that is used to cover one’s eyes to prevent them from seeing. It is commonly used in games, sports, and other activities where sight may provide an advantage. Blindfolds can also be used as a form of sensory deprivation in certain types of meditation or therapy. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, and associations of the word blindfold.
Definitions
A blindfold is a piece of cloth or material that is used to cover one’s eyes to prevent them from seeing. It can also refer to the act of covering one’s eyes with a blindfold. The word can be used as a noun or a verb.
Origin
The word blindfold comes from the Old English word ‘blindfellian,’ which means ‘to strike blind.’ The word ‘blind’ comes from the Old English word ‘blind,’ which means ‘lacking sight.’ The word ‘fold’ comes from the Old English word ‘faldan,’ which means ‘to fold.’ The word ‘blindfold’ first appeared in English in the 15th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, blindfold means ‘a piece of cloth or other material tied around someone’s eyes to prevent them from seeing.’ Merriam-Webster defines it as ‘a piece of cloth or other material that covers the eyes and prevents seeing.’ The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as ‘a piece of cloth that covers someone’s eyes so that they cannot see.’.
Associations
Blindfolds are commonly associated with games and sports, such as pin the tail on the donkey or blind man’s bluff. They can also be associated with sensory deprivation, meditation, and therapy. In some cultures, blindfolds are associated with justice, as they are used to symbolize impartiality.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for blindfold include:
- Eye mask.
- Bandage.
- Covering.
- Veil.
- Screen.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for blindfold include:
- Uncover.
- Reveal.
- Unmask.
- Expose.
- Disclose.
The same root words
Some words that have the same root words as blindfold include:
- Blindness.
- Blindside.
- Blind date.
- Blind spot.
Example Sentences
- She put on a blindfold and tried to pin the tail on the donkey.
- The therapist used a blindfold to help her patient focus on his other senses.
- The judge wore a blindfold to symbolize her impartiality.
- He was blindfolded and led to a surprise party.
- The prisoner was blindfolded before he was taken to his cell.