sideswipe

American  

[sahyd-swahyp] / ˈsaɪdˌswaɪp /

verb (used with object)

sideswiped, sideswiping

1. to scrape or hit with a sweeping stroke along the side.

   That car must’ve sideswiped mine when it backed out of the parking space.

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noun

1. a sweeping stroke or scrape along the side.

   We can fix that sideswipe and repaint the car door for a reasonable price.

   By checking your mirror before changing lanes, you can avoid sideswipes.

sideswipe British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌswaɪp /

noun

1. a glancing blow or hit along or from the side

2. an unexpected criticism of someone or something while discussing another subject

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verb

1. to strike (someone) with such a blow

Other Word Forms

• sideswiper noun

Etymology

Origin of sideswipe

An Americanism first recorded in 1900–05; side ¹ + swipe

Example Sentences

Videos showed instead that the government vehicle sideswiped Figueroa, a U.S. citizen who was driving to work.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was sideswiped last year by a small tractor, injuring his hip.

From Los Angeles Times

But he is just as frequently sideswiped by family crises created by the disasters he married and birthed.

From Salon

Newfound fame, a pandemic and disturbing allegations against a teammate sideswiped the stars of ‘Cheer.’

From Los Angeles Times

In December last year, the Philippines said China's coast guard fired water cannons and "sideswiped" a government vessel during a maritime patrol near the Scarborough Shoal.

From BBC

Related Words

• bang
• break up
• bump
• crash
• hit
• shatter
• smash
• strike