I. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adverb
Etymology: up (IV) + stage
: toward or at the rear of a theatrical stage or the part away from the footlights — compare downstage , left stage , right stage
II. adjective
1. : of or relating to the rear of a theatrical stage
2.
a. : occupying the rear of a theatrical stage especially in such a way as to cause other actors to turn their backs to the audience
b. : marked by superiority of manner : haughty , snobbish , high-class
still thinks he's someone and is very upstage if you start to kid him — H.L.Wilson
III. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
: the part of a theatrical stage away from the footlights
IV. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ transitive verb
1. : to put (an actor) at the disadvantage of having to face away from the audience by staying upstage
two men and a ballerina maneuver to upstage each other — Time
2. : to steal the show from
the … chimpanzee who has been upstaging human actors — Newsweek
3. : to treat snobbishly : put in one's place
properly upstaged me by showing me how to shut the door — John Logan