Cast off Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cast off

[kɑːst ɒf ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sailing

To release or let go of a mooring, anchor, or line, allowing a boat or ship to move freely. It can also refer to the act of starting a journey or voyage.

Synonyms

let go, release, set sail, unmoor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cast off	Used when referring to releasing a boat or ship from its moorings or starting a journey. The captain ordered the crew to cast off immediately. As the sun rose, they cast off and began their voyage.
release	Used in a wide range of situations involving the act of setting something free, such as releasing a person, animal, or information. The company plans to release the new smartphone next month. The fisherman decided to release the small fish back into the water.
let go	Can be used in a general sense whenever something is being released, often in an emotional or physical context. After years of holding onto resentment, he finally decided to let go. He told the team to let go of the rope.
unmoor	Usually used in a nautical context to describe the act of releasing a boat or ship from its moorings. The crew unmoored the ship and prepared to depart. He helped unmoor the boat from the dock.
set sail	Specific to the context of beginning a journey by boat or ship. They set sail at dawn, hoping to reach the island by noon. The pirates set sail in search of treasure.

Examples of usage

The captain ordered the crew to cast off the lines and prepare to set sail.
After casting off from the dock, the ship slowly made its way out to sea.
The sailors were excited to cast off and begin their adventure on the open ocean.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

relationship

To end a relationship or connection with someone, to break free or move on.

Synonyms

break off, disconnect, end, sever.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cast off	Used when you want to indicate releasing something or someone from constraints or letting go. They decided to cast off their old habits. The ship was ready to cast off from the dock.
break off	Ideal for sudden or unexpected termination of relationships, conversations, or objects. She had to break off the engagement. He broke off in the middle of the sentence.
end	General term for bringing something to a conclusion or stopping it completely. The show will end in ten minutes. They decided to end their partnership.
sever	Implies a complete and often sudden cutting off, typically used with relationships or physical connections. This word can have a negative connotation. They decided to sever all ties with the organization. The accident severed the cable, cutting off power.
disconnect	Refers to the process of separating connections, often used in technical or digital contexts. Please disconnect the device before cleaning. The call was disconnected unexpectedly.

Examples of usage

She decided to cast off the toxic relationship and focus on herself.
After years of friendship, he finally cast off his childhood friend who had betrayed him.
It's important to cast off negative influences in order to grow and thrive.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

knitting

A technique used in knitting to create a neat edge or finish, often used in casting on or casting off stitches.

Synonyms

bind off, end off, finish off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cast off	Also used to refer to discarding or removing something, often with a negative connotation. He felt like an old toy that was cast off when no longer wanted. The company decided to cast off its underperforming branches.
bind off	Primarily used in knitting to refer to securing the edge of the fabric so that stitches do not unravel. After completing the last row, make sure you bind off the stitches neatly. She showed me how to bind off in knitting so that the scarf wouldn’t unravel.
finish off	General term used to indicate completing something, often a task or process. I need to finish off this report before the deadline. She stayed late to finish off the last few assignments.
end off	Less commonly used but can refer to concluding an activity or process. Let's end off the meeting with a quick summary of action items. We should end off our work here and move on to the next project.

Examples of usage

She demonstrated the cast off method to complete the knitting project.
The cast off edge gave the sweater a clean and professional look.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Psychological studies show that letting go of negative relationships is crucial for emotional well-being.
The concept of 'casting off' can symbolize personal growth and the ability to move past mental blocks.
Cognitive behavioral therapy often encourages individuals to 'cast off' harmful thoughts to better their mental health.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often must 'cast off' their old selves to embrace new identities, symbolizing transformation.
Famous works often explore the theme of letting go, such as in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', where characters must move on from past grievances.
Contemporary novels frequently deal with the concept of casting off baggage as protagonists embark on journeys of self-discovery.

Pop Culture

In the TV show 'Friends', characters often 'cast off' old habits or behaviors when growing into adulthood.
Music often addresses themes of letting go; songs by artists like Taylor Swift feature narratives about casting off past relationships.
Reality shows often depict contestants casting off old personas to win challenges, highlighting the theme of personal reinvention.

Science

In biology, organisms must 'cast off' old cells or structures during growth, such as in the molting process of some animals.
Casting off old, damaged cells is crucial for health; it allows for rejuvenation and regeneration.
Scientific studies suggest that emotional or psychological letting go can physically impact stress levels in the body.

Origin of 'cast off'

Main points about word origin

The phrase originates from maritime language, meaning to release a boat from its moorings.
The term 'cast' comes from Old Norse 'kasta', meaning to throw, bringing the idea of throwing something away.
In the 17th century, 'cast off' began to be used in various contexts, including fishing and cloth-making.

The term "cast off" has nautical origins, coming from the practice of releasing a boat from its mooring or anchor to set sail. Over time, it has evolved to also mean ending a relationship or connection with someone. In knitting, "cast off" refers to a technique used to finish off stitches and create a neat edge. The versatility of this phrase reflects its adaptability across different contexts and industries.