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 Word Forms

• overshadower noun
• overshadowingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of overshadow¹

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

Example Sentences

Before the release of the first singles for the new album, “Better Days,” it might’ve been easy to write off their 11th album as another release destined to be overshadowed by their early catalog.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To be sure, private financing overshadows IPOs these days.

Read more on Barron's

Her presidency was overshadowed by several investigations, including a corruption inquiry dubbed "Rolexgate" over allegations she accepted Rolex watches as bribes.

Read more on BBC

But much of it stems from investors steering clear of a sector overshadowed by politics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Khrenin told the officers “dialogue was improving” with the U.S., adding that the wargames had been overshadowed by “various insinuations” that they could be cover for something more sinister.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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