sideswipe

[ sahyd-swahyp ]

verb (used with object)

, side·swiped, side·swip·ing.

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to strike (someone) with such a blow

Derived Forms

• ˈsideˌswiper, noun

Other Words From

• side·swip·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sideswipe¹

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

Example Sentences

About 80 percent of crashes involve sideswipes or rear-end collisions, officials said, suggesting driver confusion.

From Washington Post

Commercial carrier reports near miss sideswipe three minutes ago in blue lane approximately three miles west of mile Marker 957.

From Project Gutenberg

I saw a big touring car sideswipe a Ford runabout and knock it several feet to one side on the country road.

From Project Gutenberg

The woman raised one hand from the money and made an unexpected sideswipe at Plaster's jaw with her open palm.

From Project Gutenberg

The skull was smashed over the left eye, as if someone had taken a sideswipe at Hendrix with a hammer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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