blinding
UK: ˈblaɪndɪŋ | US: ˈblaɪndɪŋ
adj. 1. Extremely bright or dazzling, to the point of impairing vision.
adj. 2. (figurative) Overwhelming or astonishing in intensity.
v. (present participle of blind) 1. Causing someone to lose sight, either temporarily or permanently.
The word blinding originates from the Old English blind, meaning "sightless" or "dark," combined with the suffix -ing, which forms present participles or adjectives. Over time, blinding evolved to describe not just the literal act of causing blindness but also metaphorical intensity (e.g., "blinding speed"). The root blind traces back to Proto-Germanic blindaz, linked to the concept of obscurity or lack of light.
The blinding headlights made it impossible to see the road.
She won with blinding speed, leaving her competitors far behind.
The snow reflected a blinding glare under the midday sun.
His blinding arrogance alienated even his closest friends.
The explosion was followed by a blinding flash of light.