/ ˈspɒtlaɪt; NAmE ˈspɑːt-/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
(also informal spot ) [ C ] a light with a single, very bright beam that can be directed at a particular place or person :
The room was lit by spotlights.
2.
the spotlight [ U ] the area of light that is made by a spotlight :
She stood alone on stage in the spotlight.
3.
the spotlight [ U ] attention from newspapers, television and the public :
Unemployment is once again in the spotlight .
The issue will come under the spotlight when parliament reassembles.
The report has turned the spotlight on the startling rise in street crime.
■ verb ( spot·lit , spot·lit / -lɪt; NAmE /
HELP NOTE : Especially in sense 2, spot·light·ed is also used for the past tense and past participle.
) [ vn ]
1.
to shine a spotlight on sb/sth :
a spotlit stage
2.
to give special attention to a problem, situation, etc. so that people notice it
SYN highlight :
The programme spotlights financial problems in the health service.