A blindfold is a strip of cloth used to cover the eyes, rendering the user effectively (but temporarily) blind. This cover for the eyes of an individual is to prevent them from observing.

A kidnapping victim, hostage, prisoner, etc. may be blindfolded for the following reasons:

• to avoid identification of the other(s)
• to avoid identification of the location or route
• to make attacking the other(s) and fleeing more difficult, especially if the blindfold can not easily be removed, e.g. because the victim's hands are restrained by handcuffs or a rope, etc.

In an execution by firing squad the condemned is often blindfolded.

Blindfolds are used in games like piñatas and Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Use of blindfolds for erotic effect is considered very mildly kinky and, of course they can be used as part of more elaborate BDSM play.

An alternative is a hood.