shadow

noun

• 1a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface:trees cast long shadows
• [mass noun] partial or complete darkness, especially as produced in this way:the north side of the cathedral was deep in shadow (shadows)a stranger slowly approached from the shadows
• [mass noun] the shaded part of a picture.
• a dark patch or area on a surface:her face was pale and there were shadows under her eyes
• a region of opacity on a radiograph:shadows on his lungs

• 2used in reference to proximity, ominous oppressiveness, or sadness and gloom:the shadow of war fell across Europe only one shadow lay over Sally’s life
• used in reference to something insubstantial or fleeting:a freedom that was more shadow than substance
• used in reference to a position of relative inferiority or obscurity:he lived in the shadow of his father
• [with negative] the slightest trace of something:she knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was lying
• a weak or inferior remnant or version of something:this fine-looking, commanding man had become a shadow of his former self
• an expression of perplexity or sadness:a shadow crossed Maria’s face

• 3an inseparable attendant or companion:her faithful shadow, a Yorkshire terrier called Heathcliffe
• a person secretly following and observing another: no matter where Johnson went, his shadow stayed with him
• a person that accompanies someone in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job.
• [usually as modifier] British the opposition counterpart of a government minister or ministry:the shadow Chancellor

• 4short for eyeshadow.

verb

• 1envelop in shadow; cast a shadow over:the market is shadowed by St Margaret’s church a hood shadowed her face

• 2follow and observe (someone) closely and secretly:he had been up all night shadowing a team of poachers
• British (of an opposition politician) be the counterpart of (a government minister or a ministry): he formerly helped to shadow the Foreign Office
• accompany (someone) in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job: the placement might involve shadowing a manager