sideswipe
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsaɪdˌswaɪp/
KK: /ˈsaɪdˌswaɪp/
noun
Definition
A light hit or blow that happens on the side of something, often used to describe a type of collision or a casual critical comment.
Example
The car suffered damage from a sideswipe by another vehicle.
Conversation
Did you hear that comment he made during the meeting?
Yeah, it felt like a real sideswipe at our project.
I know, right? It was so unnecessary and kind of rude.
Totally! I can't believe he went there.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gibe
slap
blow
Antonyms
compliment
praise
flattery
transitive verb
Definition
To hit something or someone on the side while moving past it.
Example
The car sideswiped the parked vehicle as it changed lanes.
Tense Forms
Past: sideswiped
Past Participle: sideswiped
Conversation
Did you see that car almost sideswipe the cyclist earlier?
Yeah, that was really dangerous!
I can't believe how close it was; the driver didn't even notice.
Root Explanation
Sideswipe → It is formed from "side" (from Old English "side", meaning the lateral part of something) and "swipe" (from Middle English "swipen", meaning to strike or hit). The word "sideswipe" refers to striking something from the side, typically in a sudden or unexpected manner.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sudden hit coming from the 'side' — that's what 'sideswipe' means, a strike that comes unexpectedly from the lateral direction.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.