The word "blindfold" is spelled with the phonetic symbols /blaɪndfoʊld/. The first syllable "blind" is pronounced with the long "i" sound as in "eye". The second syllable "fold" is pronounced with the long "o" sound as in "home". The "d" at the end of "blind" and the "f" at the beginning of "fold" are separated by the "ʊ" sound as in "put". "Blindfold" is commonly used as a noun or a verb and refers to covering someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing.
Blindfold, as a noun, refers to a covering, usually made of fabric, that is used to cover the eyes and prevent sight. It is designed to restrict or impair one's vision by blocking out all visual stimuli. Blindfolds are commonly used in various scenarios such as games, competitions, and certain activities like meditation or sensory deprivation experiments.
As a verb, blindfold means to cover or make someone unable to see by tying or placing a blindfold over their eyes. The act of blindfolding can serve different purposes, such as enhancing specific sensory experiences or creating a sense of mystery and surprise.
Blindfolding is often associated with games such as "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," where a blindfolded participant tries to stick a tail on a picture blindfolded. It can also be utilized in training and trust-building exercises, where blindfolded individuals rely on their other senses and communication with their partners to complete tasks or navigate obstacles.
The concept of blindfolding can extend metaphorically beyond its literal use, suggesting the act of keeping someone ignorant or unaware, intentionally preventing them from gaining knowledge or understanding about a particular situation or information.
In summary, a blindfold is a covering for the eyes that obstructs vision, either for practical or recreational purposes. It can be used both as a noun and a verb and has various applications ranging from games and entertainment to training exercises and metaphorical contexts.
• Having the eyes covered.
• To hinder from seeing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "blindfold" originated from the Old English phrase "blindfald", which can be broken down into two parts: "blind" and "fald". "Blind" comes from the Proto-Germanic word *blindaz, meaning "blind", while "fald" is derived from the Old English word "fealdan", meaning "to fold". The term "blindfold" originally referred to a piece of cloth or a bandage one uses to cover or fold over their eyes, rendering them unable to see. Over time, the word evolved to its modern usage, which means to blind or cover someone's eyes as a form of restriction or as part of a game or activity.