blind spot

• blindspot

blind +‎ spot

blind spot (plural blind spots)

1. The place where the optic nerve attaches to the retina, and so where the retina cannot detect light.
2. (automotive) In driving, the part of the road that cannot be seen in the rear-view mirror.

   Synonym: blindside

   When he changed lanes, he sideswiped a car that was in his blind spot.

   ‘Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)’ means a system to inform the driver of a possible collision with a bicycle near side ― UN Regulation No 151 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles with regard to the Blind Spot Information System for the Detection of Bicycles

   As its name suggests, BSW can detect traffic in a vehicle’s side blind spots and alert a driver to its presence. ― SUV and Truck Buyers May Pay Thousands More for Life-Saving Feature, CR Study Shows, Keith Barry, Consumer Reports, August 24, 2023

   Taller and heavier vehicles tend to have larger side and rear blind spots, and generally pose a greater risk to those outside of them when compared to smaller vehicles ― SUV and Truck Buyers May Pay Thousands More for Life-Saving Feature, CR Study Shows, Keith Barry, Consumer Reports, August 24, 2023

3. (rail transport) The part of the railway/tramway track that cannot be seen in the side mirror or the side window.

   Synonym: blindside

   When he changed tracks, he sideswiped a railway worker that was in his blind spot.

4. In a stadium or auditorium, any location affording those seated or standing there only an obstructed visual or auditory experience.

   Our seats turned out to be in a blind spot behind a pillar blocking our view on the stage.

5. (figuratively) An inability to recognize a fact or think clearly about a certain topic, especially because of a prejudice.

   He loves her so much that he has a blind spot when it comes to her faults.

   • 2021 November 12, Dan Shive, El Goonish Shive (webcomic), Comic for Friday, Nov 12, 2021:

     "It's possible he has a blind spot I am unaware of, but I would be astonished if your father's attitude came from a place of bigotry. Where I can easily see it coming from is ignorance, confusion... and being your father."

   • 2022 June 17, Michelle Goldberg, “The Future Isn’t Female Anymore”, in The New York Times‎:

     Obviously, the second-wave feminism of the ’60s and ’70s could be pretty factional as well; there were vicious internal fights over issues like lesbianism and pornography, as well as over white feminists’ blind spots about race.

6. (figuratively) A subject or area about which one is uninformed or misinformed, often because of a prejudice or lack of appreciation.

   The new study addresses the blind spot created by previous research having excluded healthy adult subjects.

7. (telecommunications) A location where radio reception and/or transmission is significantly poorer than in surrounding locations.

   Synonym: dead spot

8. (seismology) A location around an earthquake epicentre that is prone to earthquake.

   Synonyms: blind zone, dead spot

• "blind spot" in the Dictionary.com Unabridged, v1.0.1, Lexico Publishing Group, 2006.