1. to hit the side of something, especially a vehicle, while passing
Usage: past tense of sideswipe
2. to attack or criticize someone unexpectedly or indirectly
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The truck sideswiped my car in the parking lot.
• She sideswiped three parked cars before coming to a stop.
• The bus sideswiped a tree branch hanging over the road.
• He felt sideswiped by the unexpected criticism in the meeting.
• The politician was sideswiped by questions about the scandal.
• I got sideswiped by a cyclist who didn’t see me turning.