spotlight

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spot·light / ˈspätˌlīt/ • n. a lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly onto a place or person, esp. a performer on stage. ∎  a beam of light from a lamp of this kind: the knife flashed in the spotlight. ∎  (the spotlight) fig. intense scrutiny or public attention: she was constantly in the media spotlight.• v. (past and past part. -light·ed or -lit / -lit/ ) [tr.] illuminate with a spotlight: the dancers are spotlighted from time to time throughout the evening. ∎ fig. direct attention to (a particular problem or situation): the protest spotlighted the overcrowding in federal prisons.

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