Definition

1. Verb:

   • To cover someone's eyes with a cloth or other material so that they cannot see.
   • To prevent someone from seeing or understanding something clearly.

2. Noun:

   • A piece of cloth or other material tied over someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing.

3. Adjective/Adverb:

   • With the eyes covered by a blindfold.
   • Done without being able to see; recklessly or without proper consideration.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The guards were ordered to blindfold the prisoners before moving them.
  • You cannot blindfold yourself to the truth forever.
• Noun:
  • He wore a thick blindfold during the game.
  • The blindfold was made of soft silk.
• Adjective/Adverb:
  • They led him blindfold through the corridors. (adverb)
  • It was a blindfold test of the new audio equipment. (adjective)

Advanced Usage

• "To be blindfolded": This is the common passive participle form used to describe the state of having one's eyes covered.
  • The participants were blindfolded for the experiment.
• Figurative Use: Used to describe acting without knowledge or foresight.
  • Making such a large investment blindfold would be irresponsible.

Variants and Related Words

• Blindfolded (adj.): The state of having a blindfold on.
  • The blindfolded volunteer tried to identify the object by touch.
• Blindfolding (n./v. pres. part.): The act of putting a blindfold on someone.
  • The blindfolding of the contestants added to the challenge.

Synonyms

• Verb: Cover (the eyes), hoodwink, obscure.
• Noun: Eye cover, blinder.
• Adjective/Adverb: Sightlessly, recklessly.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A blindfold test: A test where the participant cannot see what is being evaluated, commonly used for comparing products like audio equipment or food.
  • We conducted a blindfold test to see which coffee brand people preferred.
• To lead someone blindfold: To guide someone who cannot see where they are going.
  • He knew the path so well he could walk it blindfold. (This idiom often uses "blindfold" as an adverb to mean "with ease" or "without needing to look.")

Adjective

1. wearing a blindfold

Noun

1. a cloth used to cover the eyes

Verb

1. cover the eyes of (someone) to prevent him from seeing
   • the hostage was blindfolded and driven away