shadowbox

[ shad-oh-boks ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadowbox¹

First recorded in 1915–20; shadow + box ²

Example Sentences

There’s a shadowbox-like window by the front door, where I’d hung a colorful garland of star ornaments at the start of Ramadan in April.

From Time

Around this time, Tyson would smoke weed with his friends and watch them shadowbox.

From The Daily Beast