upstage
UK: ʌpˈsteɪdʒ | US: ʌpˈsteɪdʒ
vt. 1. To divert attention from someone by positioning oneself higher on a stage (literally or figuratively).
vt. 2. To outshine or overshadow another person deliberately.
adj. 1. Situated at the back of a stage (theater term).
adv. 1. Toward or at the back of a stage.
The word "upstage" originates from theater terminology. In traditional stage design, the "upstage" area is elevated (literally higher) relative to the "downstage" (closer to the audience). By the late 19th century, actors who positioned themselves upstage forced others to turn away from the audience, thus "stealing" focus. This physical tactic evolved into the metaphorical verb meaning "to overshadow." The morphemes directly reflect spatial hierarchy ("up") and context ("stage").
The lead actor subtly upstaged his co-star by standing upstage during the climax.
Her witty remarks upstaged the keynote speaker at the conference.
In theater, upstage lighting creates depth in the scene.
He walked upstage to retrieve the prop, drawing all eyes away from the dialogue.
Politicians often try to upstage opponents during debates.