Dictionary definition · shadow
noun
- shade within clear boundaries
- an unilluminated area"he moved off into the darkness"
- something existing in perception only"a ghostly apparition at midnight"
- a premonition of something adverse"a shadow over his happiness"
- an indication that something has been present"there wasn't a trace of evidence for the claim"
- refuge from danger or observation"he felt secure in his father's shadow"
- a dominating and pervasive presence"he received little recognition working in the shadow of his father"
- a spy employed to follow someone and report their movements
- an inseparable companion"the poor child was his mother's shadow"
verb
- follow, usually without the person's knowledge"The police are shadowing her"
- cast a shadow over
- make appear small by comparison"This year's debt dwarfs that of last year"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).