shadow

I UK [ˈʃædəʊ] / US [ˈʃædoʊ] noun
Word forms "shadow":
singular shadow plural shadows
***

1)

a) [countable/uncountable, often plural] an area of darkness that is created when something blocks light

The kids jumped out of the shadows, trying to scare us.

in shadow:

Even on a bright day, the room was in shadow.

b) [countable] a dark shape made on a surface when someone or something is between that surface and a light

The trees cast long, scary shadows in the evening light.

The dogs are always trying to chase their own shadows.

in the shadow of something:

She stood outside in the shadow of a large pine tree.

2) [countable] someone who follows another person wherever they go

3) [countable] a dark area that appears under your eyes, when you are tired or worried

4) [countable/uncountable] eye shadow

•

afraid/scared of your own shadow — very easily frightened

be/live in someone's shadow — to feel or seem unsuccessful in comparison to someone who is very successful

He's always lived in the shadow of his brother.

beyond/without a shadow of a doubt — used for saying that you are completely certain of something

I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that something bad had happened.

the shadow/shadows of something — the problems, sadness, trouble etc caused by a particular situation or event

These countries will need assistance as they emerge from the shadows of war.

the shadow of terrorism

- in the shadow of

- a shadow of your former self

See:

five o'clock shadow

II UK [ˈʃædəʊ] / US [ˈʃædoʊ] verb [transitive]
Word forms "shadow":
present tense I/you/we/they shadow he/she/it shadows present participle shadowing past tense shadowed past participle shadowed
*

1)

a) to follow someone wherever they go, especially secretly

Guards shadowed the escaped prisoners for several miles before capturing them.

b) to follow someone in their job to try and learn from them

2) to stop light from getting to something

A large hat shadowed her eyes.

III UK [ˈʃædəʊ] / US [ˈʃædoʊ] adjective

used for showing what position a member of the UK parliament would hold if their political party were in power

the shadow chancellor/minister