spotlight

The attention of many people, especially the public or the news media.

• She enjoys being in the spotlight.
• The scandal brought his private life into the spotlight.
• Why has this issue fallen out of the spotlight?

How to use it: in the spotlight (The young player is suddenly in the spotlight.); put someone/something in the spotlight (The report put the company's problems in the spotlight.)

Similar words: limelight, public attention

Common phrases: in the spotlight, share the spotlight, spotlight on something

A bright lamp that sends a narrow beam of light onto one person or area.

• A spotlight lit the stage.
• The actor stood under a bright spotlight.
• They aimed two spotlights at the singer.

Similar words: spot, spotlamp

Common phrases: bright spotlight, stage spotlight, under a spotlight

To make people notice someone or something by showing or discussing them.

• The report spotlights poor housing.
• Our festival spotlights young local artists.
• The documentary spotlighted the difficulties faced by working parents.

Similar words: highlight, draw attention to, feature

Common phrases: spotlight an issue, spotlight a problem, spotlight new talent

To shine a bright, narrow beam of light on someone or something.

• They spotlight the singer during her song.
• The statue was spotlighted from below.
• A technician spotlighted each actor as they stepped forward.

Similar words: illuminate, light up

Common phrases: spotlight the singer, spotlight a statue, spotlight the stage

To hunt animals at night by shining a bright light on them before shooting them.

• They spotlight rabbits after dark.
• The hunters spotlighted deer from a truck.
• It is illegal to spotlight certain animals in this area.

Common phrases: spotlight deer, spotlight rabbits, spotlight at night