Definition

A person, often an actor, who tries to attract attention to themselves, often at the expense of others, especially in a performance or social situation.

Example

During the play, she became the upstager, drawing all the audience's attention away from her fellow actors.

Conversation

Did you see that play last night?

Yeah, it was good, but I felt like there was an upstager in the cast.

I know what you mean; that actor kept stealing the spotlight.

Exactly! It made it hard to focus on the main story.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Upstager → It is formed from "up" (meaning higher or above) and "stage" (from Old French *estage*, meaning a platform or stage for performances). The word "upstager" refers to someone who draws attention away from the main performer, often by being more prominent or noticeable on the stage.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'higher' ('up') in attention than the main performer on the 'stage' — that's why an upstager takes the spotlight away.

Visually Confused Words