blindside

blind-side or blind·side (blndsd)

tr.v. blind-sid·ed or blind·sid·ed, blind-sid·ing or blind·sid·ing, blind-sides or blind·sides

1. To hit or attack on or from the blind side.

2. To catch or take unawares, especially with harmful or detrimental results: "The recent recession, with its wave of corporate cost-cutting, blind-sided many lawyers" (Aric Press).

Thesaurus

Verb	1.	blindside - catch unawares, especially with harmful consequences; "The economic downturn blindsided many investors" surprise - come upon or take unawares; "She surprised the couple"; "He surprised an interesting scene"
	2.	blindside - attack or hit on or from the side where the attacked person's view is obstructed assail, assault, set on, attack - attack someone physically or emotionally; "The mugger assaulted the woman"; "Nightmares assailed him regularly"