sideswipe [sahyd-swahyp] ExamplesWord Origin verb (used with object), side·swiped, side·swip·ing.
- to strike with a sweeping stroke or blow along the side; strike a glancing blow obliquely.
noun
- such a strike or blow.
Origin of sideswipe An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; side1 + swipe Related formsside·swip·er, noun Examples from the Web for side-swipe Historical Examples of side-swipe
I see Emily make a side-swipe with her nozzle at a stout gent who’s in the act of climbing a telegraph-pole hand over hand.
Irvin S. Cobb
British Dictionary definitions for side-swipe sideswipe noun
- a glancing blow or hit along or from the side
- an unexpected criticism of someone or something while discussing another subject
verb
- to strike (someone) with such a blow
Derived Formssideswiper, noun Word Origin and History for side-swipe v.
also sideswipe, “to strike with a glancing blow,” 1904, from side (adj.) + swipe (v.). Related: Side-swiped; side-swiping. The noun is first recorded 1917.