overshadow

[oh-ver-shad-oh]

See more synonyms for overshadow on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to be more important or significant by comparison: For years he overshadowed his brother.
to cast a shadow over; cover with shadows, clouds, darkness, etc.; darken or obscure: clouds overshadowing the moon.
to make sad or hang heavily over; cast a pall on: a disappointment that overshadowed their last years.

Archaic. to shelter or protect.

Origin of overshadow

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

Related formso·ver·shad·ow·er, nouno·ver·shad·ow·ing·ly, adverb

Synonyms for overshadow

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1. eclipse, outshine, dwarf.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for overshadow

outweigh, dim, dwarf, eclipse, dominate, cloud, bedim, darken, preponderate, overcast, excel, rule, outshine, haze, obfuscate, command, adumbrate, surpass, govern, becloud

Examples from the Web for overshadow

Contemporary Examples of overshadow

But feverish speculation and the constant patter of Vaudevillian innuendo came to overshadow more serious business.
Francois Hollande Announces Breakup with First Lady Valerie Trierweiler
Tracy McNicoll
January 26, 2014
Adraee's stellar performance may overshadow his actual message so I have taken the time to break it down for you.
The IDF Eid Crasher
Maysoon Zayid
October 17, 2013
The rap on college athletic programs is that they are corrupt, overshadow academic study, and do a disservice to student-athletes.
College Sports Programs Don’t Deserve the Bad Rap They Routinely Receive
Michael Tomasky
March 17, 2012
The notion that something fun and relaxing can also be healthy is extremely enticing, and may overshadow alcohol's drawbacks.
Is Alcohol Really Good for You?
Alizah Salario
May 16, 2011
Yet spend time with her and the myth of Odessa's past comes to overshadow the present.
Great Weekend Reads
The Daily Beast
March 5, 2011

Historical Examples of overshadow

Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities.
Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence
Various
There are phases in which something seems to overshadow the scene.
In Mesopotamia
Martin Swayne
He allowed no thought of personal safety or success to overshadow the truth.
History of Education
Levi Seeley
Nor is it the Sanctuary alone they overshadow with their wings of light.
Memories of Bethany
John Ross Macduff
“My own experience does not overshadow my judgment entirely, I hope,” said Algitha.
The Daughters of Danaus
Mona Caird

British Dictionary definitions for overshadow

overshadow

verb (tr)

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for overshadow

Old English ofersceadwian "to cast a shadow over, obscure;" see over + shadow (v.). It was used to render Latin obumbrare in New Testament, as were Middle High German überschatewen, Middle Dutch overschaduwen, Gothic ufarskadwjan. Figurative sense is from 1580s. Related: Overshadowed; overshadowing.