a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light.

shade or comparative darkness, as in an area.

shadows, darkness, esp. that coming after sunset.

shelter; protection

sanctuary in the shadow of the church.

a slight suggestion; trace

beyond the shadow of a doubt.

a specter or ghost

pursued by shadows.

a hint or faint, indistinct image or idea; intimation

shadows of things to come.

a mere semblance

the shadow of power.

a reflected image.

(in painting, drawing, graphics, etc.)

the representation of the absence of light on a form.

the dark part of a picture, esp. as representing the absence of illumination

Rembrandt's figures often emerge gradually from the shadows.

(in architectural shades and shadows) a dark figure or image cast by an object or part of an object upon a surface that would otherwise be illuminated by the theoretical light source. Compare shade ( def. 16 ) .

a period or instance of gloom, unhappiness, mistrust, doubt, dissension, or the like, as in friendship or one's life

Their relationship was not without shadows.

a dominant or pervasive threat, influence, or atmosphere, esp. one causing gloom, fear, doubt, or the like

They lived under the shadow of war.

an inseparable companion

The dog was his shadow.

a person who follows another in order to keep watch upon that person, as a spy or detective.

to overspread with shadow; shade.

to cast a gloom over; cloud

The incident shadowed their meeting.

to screen or protect from light, heat, etc.; shade.

to follow (a person) about secretly, in order to keep watch over his movements.

to represent faintly, prophetically, etc. (often fol. by forth ).

Archaic . to shelter or protect.

Archaic . to shade in painting, drawing, etc.

of or pertaining to a shadow cabinet.

without official authority

a shadow government.

noun

brightness , light , information

verb

brighten , lighten

noun

adumbration , cover , dark , dimness , dusk , gloom , obscuration , obscurity , penumbra , protection , shade , shelter , umbra , umbrage , breath , intimation , memento , relic , smack , suspicion , tincture , tinge , touch , trace , vestige , apparition , bogey , bogeyman , bogle , eidolon , phantasm , phantasma , phantom , revenant , specter , spirit , visitant , wraith , watcher , dash , ghost , hair , hint , semblance , soupon , streak , suggestion , taste , whiff , whisper

verb

adumbrate , becloud , bedim , cast a shadow , cloud , darken , dim , gray , haze , inumbrate , obscure , overcast , overcloud , overhang , overshadow , screen , shade , shelter , shield , umbrage , veil , dog , keep in sight , pursue , spy on , stalk , tag , tail , trail , watch , befog , blear , blur , dull , eclipse , fog , gloom , mist , obfuscate , track , apparition , cover , forecast , ghost , image , lurk , omen , penumbra , phantom , reflection , remnant , shroud , suggest , symbolize , tinge , typify , umbra