blindfold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “blindfold” mean?
A piece of cloth tied over someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of cloth tied over someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing.
To cover someone's eyes with a cloth; to act or proceed without proper information or foresight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The past tense of the verb is consistently 'blindfolded' in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. The metaphorical sense ('acting blindfold') is slightly more common in British English.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “blindfold” in a Sentence
SVO (transitive verb): They blindfolded the hostage.Prepositional Phrase (as adverb): He completed the maze blindfold.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blindfold” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to blindfold the volunteer for the experiment.
- The guards were ordered to blindfold the prisoners during transport.
American English
- She blindfolded her little brother before leading him to his birthday surprise.
- The instructor will blindfold you during the trust exercise.
adverb
British English
- He could assemble the model kit almost blindfold.
- She navigated the familiar path blindfold.
American English
- I know my way around this kitchen so well I could cook blindfolded.
- He played the simple piano piece blindfold.
adjective
British English
- It was a blindfold tasting of different cheeses.
- They conducted a blindfold test of the audio equipment.
American English
- He took the blindfold taste test and guessed the soda brand correctly.
- The blindfold walk built team trust.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'Entering the merger blindfold was a mistake.'
Academic
Rare, except in psychology or perception studies describing experiments.
Everyday
Common in contexts of games, challenges, surprises, or metaphors for ignorance.
Technical
Used in military/police training (hostage scenarios) and certain sensory deprivation experiments.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blindfold”
- Incorrect: 'He did it in blindfold.' Correct: 'He did it blindfold.' or 'He did it with a blindfold.'
- Misspelling as 'blindfolded' when using it as an adjective/adverb: 'He walked blindfold (correct) / blindfolded (also correct).' Both forms are acceptable for the adverb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'blindfolded' is the standard and only past tense and past participle form (e.g., 'They blindfolded him yesterday').
Yes. Both 'blindfold' and 'blindfolded' can function as adverbs meaning 'with the eyes covered' (e.g., 'She walked blindfold/blindfolded'). 'Blindfold' is slightly more traditional, but both are accepted.
A blindfold is typically a cloth tied on to prevent seeing, often in games or restrictive situations. An 'eye mask' (or sleep mask) is usually padded and designed for comfort to block light while sleeping.
Use it to criticize an action taken without necessary information or foresight. Example: 'The government's blindfold approach to the crisis led to worse outcomes.'
A piece of cloth tied over someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing.
Blindfold is usually neutral in register.
Blindfold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪnd.fəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪnd.foʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blindfold someone (to the truth)”
- “lead someone blindfold”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BLIND + FOLD: Imagine FOLDing a cloth to make someone BLIND (unable to see).
Conceptual Metaphor
IGNORANCE IS BLINDNESS / LACK OF PREPARATION IS BEING BLINDFOLDED
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The company proceeded blindfold into the new market,' what does 'blindfold' mean?