searchlight
nounUK /ˈsɜːtʃlaɪt/
US /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/
A searchlight is a very bright light that can be pointed in different directions to help people see far away in the dark.
The guard turned on the searchlight to look across the water.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A powerful lamp used on ships or aircraft to look for things in the dark.
The ship's searchlight swept across the foggy sea.
3. A beam of light from such a lamp.
A searchlight cut through the night sky.
4. Something that reveals or brings attention to a hidden situation.
The report turned a searchlight on the problem.