German word

blenden

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈblɛndn̩/

Meaning

  • verbdazzle

Example

Die Scheinwerfer blenden den Fahrer.

The headlights are dazzling the driver.

Illustration for blenden (dazzle)

More examples

Das Blitzlicht blendet die Zuschauer kurz.

The flash briefly dazzles the spectators.

Core concept

A glare or overpowering impression blocks clear sight or judgment.

Common phrases

  • Blitzlicht blendet Zuschauer

    flash dazzles spectators

  • spiegelnde Oberfläche blendet Autofahrer

    reflective surface dazzles motorists

  • Bühnenlicht blendet Musiker

    stage lighting dazzles musicians

Similar words

überwältigen: Overwhelms someone so greatly that resistance or clear judgment becomes difficult.
faszinieren: Draws someone in by arousing intense interest or curiosity.
beeindrucken: Makes a strong impression through remarkable behavior, qualities, or achievements.
überstrahlen: Shines so brightly that another thing becomes less prominent.

Definition in German

durch sehr helles Licht kurzzeitig blind machen; übertragen jemanden durch starken Eindruck oder Täuschung überwältigen

Word origin

German blenden goes back through Old and Middle High German forms to a verb related to blind, originally meaning to make blind.

Usage tips

  • Blenden takes an accusative person, as in Die Scheinwerfer blenden den Fahrer, meaning that the headlights dazzle the driver.

Other meanings

  • fascinateverb

Opposites

  • abblendendimverb

Related words

  • blendenddazzlingadjective
  • Verblendungbewildermentnoun

Word lists with this word