shadow

shade within clear boundaries

an unilluminated area; "he moved off into the darkness"

something existing in perception only; "a ghostly apparition at midnight"

a premonition of something adverse; "a shadow over his happiness"

an indication that something has been present; "there wasn't a trace of evidence for the claim"; "a tincture of condescension"

refuge from danger or observation; "he felt secure in his father's shadow"

a dominating and pervasive presence; "he received little recognition working in the shadow of his father"

a spy employed to follow someone and report their movements

an inseparable companion; "the poor child was his mother's shadow"

follow, usually without the person's knowledge; "The police are shadowing her"

cast a shadow over

make appear small by comparison; "This year's debt dwarfs that of last year"