blindfold
UK[ˈblaɪndfəʊld]US[ˈblaɪndfoʊld]
n
A piece of cloth used to cover someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing.
v
To cover someone's eyes with a blindfold.
adj
Having the eyes covered by a blindfold.
Morpheme Breakdown
blind
fold
blind
fold
Etymology
The word "blindfold" is a transparent compound from Old English elements, literally meaning "to blind by folding." The original Middle English term was blindfellen, where "fellen" meant "to strike down," but this was later altered by folk etymology to the more logical "fold," suggesting the action of wrapping a cloth over the eyes. This shift reflects a practical reanalysis of how a blindfold functions—not by striking, but by folding a covering into place. Consequently, the modern term perfectly captures its purpose: a fold of material that makes one blind to their surroundings.
Analysis
Structure: blind + fold
- blind (Old English): From Old English blind, meaning "sightless, unable to see." Functions as the core semantic root describing the state of vision.
- fold (Old English): From Old English fealdan, meaning "to fold, to wrap." In this compound, it functions to indicate an action or object that wraps or covers.
Examples
The children played pin the tail on the donkey while wearing a blindfold.
The guards were ordered to blindfold the prisoners before moving them.
He navigated the obstacle course blindfold, relying entirely on his other senses.