I. ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd noun
Date: 1695
1. : the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator
2. : a position of prominence : forefront
3. : a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task — compare background
II. transitive verb
Date: 1892
: to bring to the foreground ; especially : to give prominence or emphasis to