blindside

1 of 2

verb

blind·​side ˈblīn(d)-ˌsīd 

blindsided; blindsiding; blindsides

transitive verb

1

: to hit, strike, or tackle (someone who is facing in another direction) suddenly and very hard : to attack (someone) from their blind side

blindsided the quarterback

2

: to surprise (someone) unpleasantly see usage paragraph at blind entry 1

blind side

2 of 2

noun

1

: the side away from which one is looking

2

: the side on which one that is blind in one eye cannot see

Examples of blindside in a Sentence

Verb

The quarterback was blindsided just as he was about to throw a pass.

We were all blindsided by the news of her sudden death.

Noun

He was hit on his blind side.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Vance wasn’t blindsided by the return to hostilities; one Vance ally noted that the vice president has always been clear-eyed about the challenge of trying to come to an agreement with the Iranian government. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 9 July 2026

The move was unprecedented, stunning much of Britain and even reportedly blindsiding then-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Noun

The left side of the offensive line also now protects the quarterback’s blind side, as is normally the case. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Two rookies starting on the offensive line in Week 1 isn’t all that appealing, but with Fortner starting over Hecht (and/or Samac), in theory, Freeling could be a much more palatable option on the blind side on opening weekend. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blindside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Medical Definition

blind side

noun

: the side on which one who is blind in one eye cannot see