unblindfold

A teacher unblindfolds a student during a trust exercise.

Definition

Verb (transitive):
- To remove a blindfold from: "unblindfold" means to take off a covering that has been placed over someone's eyes, restoring their ability to see.
- Figuratively: To remove an obstacle to understanding; to make someone aware of a truth or reality they were previously prevented from seeing.

Usage Examples

Literal:
- The doctor gently unblindfolded the patient after the eye surgery. (The doctor removed the cloth covering the patient's eyes.)
- The kidnappers unblindfolded their hostage and let him go. (They removed the blindfold from his eyes.)
Figurative:
- The documentary served to unblindfold the public about the hidden dangers of pollution. (It made people aware of a truth they had not seen before.)
- Her speech unblindfolded many listeners to the realities of poverty. (It opened their eyes to a previously ignored situation.)

Advanced Usage

"to unblindfold someone to something": To cause someone to become aware of a fact or situation.
- The investigation unblindfolded the committee to the extent of the corruption. (The committee finally saw the full truth.)
"to unblindfold oneself": To deliberately seek or accept the truth.
- He decided to unblindfold himself by reading the controversial report. (He chose to face reality.)

Variants and Related Words

Unblindfolded (adj): having had a blindfold removed; no longer blindfolded.
- The unblindfolded prisoner blinked in the bright sunlight. (The prisoner could now see.)
Blindfold (n/v): a covering for the eyes; to cover someone's eyes.
- They put a blindfold on the witness. (They covered his eyes.)

Synonyms

Related Idioms

Open someone's eyes: to make someone aware of the truth.
- The experience opened her eyes to the difficulties faced by refugees. (It unblindfolded her.)
Take the blinders off: to stop ignoring or hiding from reality.
- It's time to take the blinders off and admit the problem exists. (To unblindfold oneself.)

Antonyms