Definition

Verb: 1. To discard or get rid of something: To throw away or abandon something that is no longer wanted or needed. 2. To make the final stitches in knitting: To remove stitches from the knitting needle in a way that finishes the edge of the fabric securely. 3. To set a boat or ship free from its moorings: To untie the ropes holding a vessel so it can sail away.

Usage and Examples

• To discard or get rid of:
  • It was time to cast off his old fears and start anew.
  • She decided to cast off the clothes she no longer wore.
• To finish knitting:
  • After completing the scarf, she learned how to cast off neatly.
  • Remember to cast off loosely so the edge isn't too tight.
• To set a vessel free:
  • The captain gave the order to cast off and we began our journey.
  • We'll cast off from the dock at noon.

Advanced Usage

• "to cast off one's inhibitions": to stop restraining one's behavior or feelings.
  • At the party, he finally cast off his inhibitions and danced.
• Used figuratively for abandoning an identity or role:
  • The actor struggled to cast off the character he had played for years.

Variants and Related Words

• Cast-off (adjective or noun): Describing something discarded, or the item itself.
  • He wore a cast-off jacket from his brother. (adjective)
  • The pile of cast-offs was donated to charity. (noun)
• Cast on (verb): The knitting term for creating the first row of stitches, the opposite of 'cast off'.

Synonyms

• Discard, shed, jettison, abandon, throw away, ditch.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cast aside: Similar to 'cast off', meaning to reject or discard, often with a sense of forceful rejection.
  • He cast aside all objections and proceeded with the plan.

Related Idioms

• To cast off the yoke of [something]: To free oneself from oppression, control, or a burdensome situation.
  • The country fought to cast off the yoke of colonial rule.

Verb

1. make the last row of stitches when knitting
2. get rid of
   • he shed his image as a pushy boss
   • shed your clothes