shadow

[ shad-oh ]

noun

1. a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light.
2. shade or comparative darkness, as in an area.
3. shadows, darkness, especially that coming after sunset.
4. shelter; protection:

   sanctuary in the shadow of the church.

5. a slight suggestion; trace:

   beyond the shadow of a doubt.

6. a specter or ghost:

   pursued by shadows.

7. a hint or faint, indistinct image or idea; intimation:

   shadows of things to come.

8. a mere semblance:

   the shadow of power.

9. a reflected image.
10. (in painting, drawing, graphics, etc.)
    1. the representation of the absence of light on a form.
    2. the dark part of a picture, especially as representing the absence of illumination:

       Rembrandt's figures often emerge gradually from the shadows.

11. (in architectural shades and shadows) a dark figure or image cast by an object or part of an object upon a surface that would otherwise be illuminated by the theoretical light source. Compare shade ( def 9 ).
12. a period or instance of gloom, unhappiness, mistrust, doubt, dissension, or the like, as in friendship or one's life:

    Their relationship was not without shadows.

13. a dominant or pervasive threat, influence, or atmosphere, especially one causing gloom, fear, doubt, or the like:

    They lived under the shadow of war.

14. an inseparable companion:

    The dog was his shadow.

15. a person who follows another in order to keep watch upon that person, as a spy or detective.

verb (used with object)

1. to overspread with shadow; shade.
2. to cast a gloom over; cloud:

   The incident shadowed their meeting.

3. to screen or protect from light, heat, etc.; shade.
4. to follow and observe (a person): All new employees will be assigned a mentor whom they will shadow during their first week at work.

   Spies and secret agents shadowed government officials in clandestine assignments during the Cold War.

   All new employees will be assigned a mentor whom they will shadow during their first week at work.

5. to represent faintly, prophetically, etc. (often followed by forth ).
6. Archaic. to shelter or protect.
7. Archaic. to shade in painting, drawing, etc.

adjective

1. of or relating to a shadow cabinet.
2. without official authority:

   a shadow government.

3. unofficial or without public notice; characterized by secrecy or performed in a way that is difficult to detect; clandestine: shadow docket;

   shadow ban;

   shadow docket;

   shadow inflation.

shadow

/ ˈʃædəʊ /

noun

1. a dark image or shape cast on a surface by the interception of light rays by an opaque body
2. an area of relative darkness
3. the dark portions of a picture
4. a hint, image, or faint semblance

   beyond a shadow of a doubt

5. a remnant or vestige

   a shadow of one's past self

6. a reflection
7. a threatening influence; blight

   a shadow over one's happiness

8. a spectre
9. an inseparable companion
10. a person who trails another in secret, such as a detective
11. med a dark area on an X-ray film representing an opaque structure or part
12. (in Jungian psychology) the archetype that represents man's animal ancestors
13. archaic.
    protection or shelter
14. modifier designating a member or members of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power

    shadow Chancellor

    shadow cabinet

verb

1. to cast a shadow over
2. to make dark or gloomy; blight
3. to shade from light
4. to follow or trail secretly
5. often foll by forth to represent vaguely
6. painting drawing another word for shade

Derived Forms

• ˈshadowless, adjective
• ˈshadower, noun

Other Words From

• shad·ow·er noun
• shad·ow·less adjective
• shad·ow·like adjective
• pre·shad·ow noun verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadow¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English noun shadwe, shadu(e), shadow(e), Old English sceadu, oblique case scead(u)we; Middle English verb shadwe(n), shadu(e) “to shade, provide shade, cast a shadow, protect,” Old English sceadwian “to cover with shadow, protect,” derivative of the noun; compare Old Saxon skadowan, skadoian, Gothic (ufar)skadwjan “to (over)shadow”; shade

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadow¹

Old English sceadwe, oblique case of sceadu shade ; related to Dutch schaduw

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with shadow , also see afraid of one's own shadow ; beyond a (shadow of a) doubt .

Synonym Study

See shade.

Example Sentences

Former Ysgol Friars staff member Ana, not her real name, said she was worried facts related to the case were not being shared with authorities and "secrets" were "casting a shadow" over the school's future.

From BBC

Foden left the school in September 2023, but she said "secrets cast a shadow over the school".

From BBC

Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said there was "much to welcome" in Reeves' suggested reforms, though shadow chancellor Mel Stride has added that Conservatives will be "looking closely at the detail".

From BBC

Conservative shadow communities minister David Simmonds claimed the government had left a £2.4bn "black hole" in councils budgets.

From BBC

"Irresponsible owners, unsuitable financial models and inadequate regulation have cast a shadow over too many of our clubs and too often it is fans who have had to fight to protect their club's identity, heritage and even its very existence," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• dark
• gloom
• obscurity
• shade