Definition of shadow

• n. - Shade within defined limits; obscurity or deprivation of light, apparent on a surface, and representing the form of the body which intercepts the rays of light; as, the shadow of a man, of a tree, or of a tower. See the Note under Shade, n., 1.
• n. - Darkness; shade; obscurity.
• n. - A shaded place; shelter; protection; security.
• n. - A reflected image, as in a mirror or in water.
• n. - That which follows or attends a person or thing like a shadow; an inseparable companion; hence, an obsequious follower.
• n. - A spirit; a ghost; a shade; a phantom.
• n. - An imperfect and faint representation; adumbration; indistinct image; dim bodying forth; hence, mystical representation; type.
• n. - A small degree; a shade.
• n. - An uninvited guest coming with one who is invited.
• n. - To cut off light from; to put in shade; to shade; to throw a shadow upon; to overspead with obscurity.
• n. - To conceal; to hide; to screen.
• n. - To protect; to shelter from danger; to shroud.
• n. - To mark with gradations of light or color; to shade.
• n. - To represent faintly or imperfectly; to adumbrate; hence, to represent typically.
• n. - To cloud; to darken; to cast a gloom over.
• n. - To attend as closely as a shadow; to follow and watch closely, especially in a secret or unobserved manner; as, a detective shadows a criminal.