eclipse
n. · v.-
1 astronomical event (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sciencean occasion when the moon or a planet moves into a position that blocks the light of the sun.
the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another, typically involving the alignment of the sun, earth, and moon.
ExampleWe wore special glasses to watch the solar eclipse safely.
ExampleThe total solar eclipse provided a rare opportunity for researchers to observe the sun's corona without the interference of the bright solar disk.
UsageOften used with the adjectives 'solar' or 'lunar'.
- obscuration
- alignment
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2 loss of power or fame (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya time when someone or something becomes less successful, famous, or important.
a loss of significance, power, or prominence, often due to the rise of a competitor.
ExampleThe sudden eclipse of the empire surprised many historians.
ExampleThe rapid eclipse of the traditional manufacturing sector led to widespread economic anxiety in the northern provinces.
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3 to outshine or surpass (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto be much better or more important than something else, making it seem less significant.
to surpass or outshine another in importance, fame, or achievement; to make another entity appear insignificant by comparison.
ExampleHer latest book will likely eclipse all her previous work.
ExampleThe athlete's record-breaking performance managed to eclipse the achievements of his predecessors, securing his legacy in the sport.
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
- overshadow
- outshine
- surpass
From Old French eclipse, from Latin eclīpsis, from Ancient Greek ἔκλειψις (ékleipsis, “eclipse”), from ἐκλείπω (ekleípō, “I abandon, go missing, vanish”), from ἐκ (ek, “out”) and λείπω (leípō, “I leave behind”). Doublet of eclipsis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated June 20, 2026