blindfold

Imagine a magician preparing for a trick—often they'll start with a strip of cloth over a volunteer's eyes. A blindfold is a piece of material tied over someone's eyes, effectively blocking their vision. While it is usually a physical object, it can also be used figuratively. To be "blindfolded" by one's own biases means to be unable to see the truth clearly. Blindfolds are also used in games like blind man's buff, in magic tricks, and in symbolic imagery. Think about Lady Justice, often depicted with a blindfold, signifying that justice should be applied impartially, without being swayed by the appearance or status of those involved.

A blindfold is a covering placed over the eyes to deprive someone of sight. Traditionally made from cloth, it is most commonly associated with games, magic tricks, or situations where sight must be removed. Think about children playing "blind man's buff," where one player tries to identify others while wearing a blindfold—creating a playful challenge based on heightened senses beyond vision.

The use of a blindfold goes beyond entertainment. At times, it has been used in coercive or severe settings, such as executions and detentions, to prevent someone from seeing what is about to happen. In a more noble light, the iconic image of Lady Justice wearing a blindfold symbolizes objectivity—justice should be served without regard for wealth, power, or personal feelings. Figuratively, "blindfold" describes a state of being unaware or intentionally kept in the dark. If a person is "walking into a deal blindfolded," they are proceeding without the crucial information they need to see the risks. The word evokes a sense of vulnerability and disorientation that comes with being unable to see what is ahead. Whether a physical barrier or a metaphorical state of unknowing, a blindfold represents obscured vision and a reliance on intuition over external evidence.