<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light.</li><li>shade or comparative darkness, as in an area.</li><li>shadows, darkness, especially that coming after sunset.</li><li>shelter; protection: sanctuary in the shadow of the church.</li><li>a slight suggestion; trace: beyond the shadow of a doubt.</li><li>a specter or ghost: pursued by shadows.</li><li>a hint or faint, indistinct image or idea; intimation: shadows of things to come.</li><li>a mere semblance: the shadow of power.</li><li>a reflected image.</li><li>(in painting, drawing, graphics, etc.) the representation of the absence of light on a form.</li><li>the dark part of a picture, especially as representing the absence of illumination: Rembrandt's figures often emerge gradually from the shadows.</li><li>(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.</li><li>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.</li><li>a dominant or pervasive threat, influence, or atmosphere, especially one causing gloom, fear, doubt, or the like: They lived under the shadow of war.</li><li>an inseparable companion: The dog was his shadow.</li><li>a person who follows another in order to keep watch upon that person, as a spy or detective.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to overspread with shadow; shade.</li><li>to cast a gloom over; cloud: The incident shadowed their meeting.</li><li>to screen or protect from light, heat, etc.; shade.</li><li>to follow and observe (a person): All new employees will be assigned a mentor whom they will shadow during their first week at work.</li><li>to represent faintly, prophetically, etc. (often followed by forth).</li><li>Archaic: to shelter or protect.</li><li>Archaic: to shade in painting, drawing, etc.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>of or relating to a shadow cabinet.</li><li>without official authority: a shadow government.</li><li>unofficial or without public notice; characterized by secrecy or performed in a way that is difficult to detect; clandestine: shadow docket; shadow ban; shadow inflation.</li></ul>