1. striking the side of something, especially a vehicle, while passing
2. attacking or criticizing someone indirectly or unexpectedly
Usage: figurative

1. the act of striking the side of something while passing

Examples

• The truck was sideswiping parked cars as it swerved down the narrow street.
• She avoided sideswiping the cyclist by quickly changing lanes.
• The politician kept sideswiping his opponent with subtle criticisms.
• During the debate, he was sideswiping the mayor’s policies without naming him directly.
• The sideswiping of the delivery van left a long scratch on my car door.
• After the sideswiping incident, both drivers pulled over to exchange insurance information.