shadowbox

American  

[shad-oh-boks] / ˈʃæd oʊˌbɒks /

verb (used without object)

1. to make the motions of attack and defense, as in boxing, box, boxing, as a training or conditioning procedure.

2. to evade or avoid direct or decisive action.

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Etymology

Origin of shadowbox

First recorded in 1915–20; shadow + box ²

Example Sentences

He’s up at 6 a.m. in the summers to shadowbox in the garage, working out two or three times a day.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2022

The company assigns a floral design consultant to each keepsake order, who will bring the arrangement to life in a frame, shadowbox, lantern, tabletop cube, dome, pedestal, cloche, trinket box, ornament or potpourri jar.

From Fox News • Feb. 1, 2022

At the height of his career, the saxophonist moved to the East Village, where the shadowbox now hangs.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2021

Knowing that Mr. Belmondo liked to shadowbox in character, Godard filmed him boxing in front of a mirror as he experimented with his lines: “I’m not much of a looker, but I’m quite a boxer.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2021

Art put Ben down, ran over and began to shadowbox with Mr. Dacus.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy