overshadow

[ oh-ver-shad-oh ]

verb (used with object)

1. to be more important or significant by comparison:

   For years he overshadowed his brother.

   Synonyms: dwarf, outshine, eclipse

2. to cast a shadow over; cover with shadows, clouds, darkness, etc.; darken or obscure:

   clouds overshadowing the moon.

3. to make sad or hang heavily over; cast a pall on:

   a disappointment that overshadowed their last years.

4. Archaic. to shelter or protect.

overshadow

/ ˌəʊvəˈʃædəʊ /

verb

1. to render insignificant or less important in comparison
2. to cast a shadow or gloom over

Other Words From

• over·shadow·er noun
• over·shadow·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of overshadow¹

before 900; Middle English overshadewen, Old English ofersceadwian. See over-, shadow

Example Sentences

But both became overshadowed by his later preoccupations.

From Los Angeles Times

Rodri's triumph was overshadowed by Real Madrid's decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, a decision widely thought to have been taken because of Vinicius Jr's failure to win the top prize.

From BBC

Lots of the healthy raw ingredients used in holiday foods can end up overshadowed by sugar and starch.

From Salon

The short-lived nomination was overshadowed by an unreleased report from the House Ethics Committee.

From Salon

A legacy brand like Air India, with strong global recognition and 'India' imprinted in its identity, wouldn’t have allowed a smaller, more premium subsidiary to overshadow its revival process.

From BBC

Related Words

• cloud
• dim
• dominate
• dwarf
• eclipse
• outweigh