spotlight

(noun) a focus of public attention. Synonyms: limelight, glare, public eye. Examples: "He enjoyed being in the limelight." "When congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency."

(noun) a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer. Synonyms: spot.

(verb) move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent. Synonyms: foreground, highlight, play up. Example: "The introduction highlighted the speaker's distinguished career in linguistics."

(verb) illuminate with a spotlight, as in the theater.