cast off etymology

Etymology:

The phrase "cast off" originates from the early 15th century and comes from the Middle English "casten of," meaning to throw or put aside. It is derived from the Old English words "ceastan" (to throw, hurl) and "of" (from, away).

Meaning:

"Cast off" has various meanings depending on the context:

  • To release or separate from: To unbind, untie, or remove something that has been attached.
  • To discard or reject: To get rid of something unwanted or outdated.
  • To terminate or abandon: To end a relationship, task, or plan.
  • In knitting and crocheting: To remove a loop from a knitting needle or crochet hook, usually to begin a new row.
  • In sailing: To release the mooring lines or sails.

Origin:

The nautical usage of "cast off" comes from the practice of sailors releasing the ropes that held their ships in place at a dock or anchor. The phrase "cast off" was then extended to other situations where something was being released or separated.

Over time, "cast off" became a common idiom used in various contexts, from personal relationships to daily tasks, reflecting the idea of detaching, discarding, or discontinuing something.

cast off relate terms

  • cast

    Etymology The word cast has several distinct etymologies As a verb From Middle En

  • warp

    Etymology Warp comes from the Old English word weorpan meaning to throw or to cast

  • throw

    Etymology Old English thragan Proto Germanic þragjaną Proto Indo European d

  • throwaway

    Etymology Throw Away Meaning To discard or get rid of something as useless or

  • abject

    Etymology From Latin abjectus past participle of abjicere to throw away cast of

  • abjection

    Etymology From French abjection destitution misery degradation from Latin abject

  • deport

    Etymology From Old French deporter from Latin deportare meaning to carry off banish

  • discard

    Etymology Middle English discarde from Old French descarder meaning to discard Ul

  • Adamite

    Etymology The term Adamite is derived from the Hebrew word adam which means man or

  • slough

    Etymology Middle English slough from Old English sloh meaning marsh mire bog

  • thalamus

    Etymology The term thalamus comes from the Ancient Greek word θάλαμος thalamos

  • treasure