- 1[transitive] cast a/your vote/ballot (for somebody or something) to vote for someone or something
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light/a shadow - 2[transitive] cast something (over something) to make light, a shadow, etc. appear in a particular place The setting sun cast an orange glow over the mountains. (figurative) The sad news cast a shadow over the proceedings (= made people feel unhappy).
- 3[transitive] cast doubt/aspersions (on/upon something) to say, do or suggest something that makes people doubt something or think that someone is less honest, good, etc. This latest evidence casts serious doubt on his version of events. fishing line
- 4[intransitive, transitive] cast (something) to throw one end of a fishing line into a river, etc. actors
- 5[transitive] to choose actors to play the different parts in a movie, play, etc.; to choose an actor to play a particular role cast something The play is being cast in both the U.S. and Britain. cast somebody (as somebody) He cast her as an ambitious lawyer in his latest movie. a look/glance/smile
- 6[transitive] cast (somebody) something to look, smile, etc. in a particular direction She cast a welcoming smile in his direction. He groaned, casting his eyes to the ceiling. describe
- 7[transitive] to describe or present someone/yourself in a particular way cast somebody/yourself (as something) He cast himself as the innocent victim of a hate campaign. cast somebody/yourself (in something) The press were quick to cast her in the role of “the other woman.”
- 8[transitive] cast something (in something) to shape hot liquid metal, etc. by pouring it into a hollow container (called amold) a statue cast in bronze throw
- 9[transitive] cast somebody/something (literary) to throw someone or something somewhere, especially using force The priceless treasures had been cast into the Nile. They cast anchor at nightfall. skin
- 10[transitive] cast something when a snake casts its skin, the skin comes off as part of a natural process synonym shed shoe
- 11[transitive] cast something if a horse casts a shoe, the shoe comes off by accident Idioms
verb jump to other results
NAmE//kæst//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they cast he / she / it casts
past simple cast
-ing form casting
(usually passive) to leave someone to be carried away on a boat that is not being controlled by anyone (figurative) Without language, human beings are cast adrift.
to make a problem, etc. easier to understand Recent research has thrown new light on the causes of the disease.
to make yourself think about something that happened in the past I want you to cast your minds back to the first time you met.
to consider a lot of different people, activities, possibilities, etc. when you are looking for something It's worth casting your net wide when applying for your first job.
to use words that are thought to be magic and have the power to change, or influence someone or something
used to say that an event has happened or a decision has been made that cannot be changed
to choose someone or something by lot They drew lots for the right to go first.
to look at or examine something quickly Could you just run your eyes over this report? Phrasal Verbsbe cast awaybe cast downcast aboutcast asidecast offcast oncast out
Check pronunciation: cast