spotlight

 
Pronunciation: /ˈspɒtlʌɪt/

noun

  • a lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly on to a place or person, especially a performer on stage.
  • a beam of light from a lamp of this kind: the knife flashed in the spotlight
  • (the spotlight) intense scrutiny or public attention: she was constantly in the media spotlight

verb (past and past participle spotlighted or spotlit)

[with object]
  • illuminate with a spotlight: the dancers are spotlighted from time to time throughout the evening
  • direct attention to (a problem or situation): the protest spotlighted the overcrowding in British prisons