e|clipse

e|clipse «ih KLIHPS», noun, verb, e|clipsed, e|clips|ing.

–n.

1. a passing from sight because light is cut off. In an eclipse of the sun, the moon is between us and the sun, so that from any point within the moon's shadow the sun is not visible. An eclipse of the moon occurs when the moon enters the earth's shadow.

2. Figurative. a loss of importance or reputation; a falling into obscurity: »

The big upsurge of African nationalism has today stimulated deeper interest in the Africans…as the colonial era goes into eclipse (Wall Street Journal).

–v.t.

1. to cut off or dim the light from; darken: »

As the moon eclipsed the sun the sky grew darker.

2. Figurative. to cast into the shade; obscure the importance or reputation of; make less outstanding by comparison; surpass: »

Napoleon eclipsed other generals of his time.

SYNONYM(S): outshine, excel.

╂[< Old French esclipse, learned borrowing from Latin eclīpsis < Greek ékleipsis < ex- out + leípein to leave]