overshadow
[oh-ver-shad-oh]
- 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.
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Origin of overshadow
Synonyms
See more synonyms for overshadow on Thesaurus.com1. eclipse, outshine, dwarf.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for overshadow
Contemporary Examples
But feverish speculation and the constant patter of Vaudevillian innuendo came to overshadow more serious business.
Francois Hollande Announces Breakup with First Lady Valerie TrierweilerTracy 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 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 ReceiveMichael Tomasky
March 17, 2012
The notion that something fun and relaxing can also be healthy is extremely enticing, and may overshadow alcohol's drawbacks.
Yet spend time with her and the myth of Odessa's past comes to overshadow the present.
Historical Examples
Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities.
There are phases in which something seems to overshadow the scene.
In MesopotamiaMartin Swayne
He allowed no thought of personal safety or success to overshadow the truth.
History of EducationLevi Seeley
Nor is it the Sanctuary alone they overshadow with their wings of light.
Memories of BethanyJohn Ross Macduff
“My own experience does not overshadow my judgment entirely, I hope,” said Algitha.
The Daughters of DanausMona Caird
overshadow
- to render insignificant or less important in comparison
- to cast a shadow or gloom over
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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
v.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper