1 C1 idiomatic formal
To cause a mood of gloom, sadness, or dread to fall over a place, event, or person.
"The news of the accident cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful celebration."
separable
cast over
C1 formal separable transitive
To cause a shadow, gloom, or dark feeling to fall over something or someone.
In plain English
To make a place or situation feel dark or gloomy, as if a cloud moved in front of the sun.
What does "cast over" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cast (throw) something over — covering it from above.
Actually means
To make a place or situation feel dark or gloomy, as if a cloud moved in front of the sun.
Usage tip
Almost exclusively metaphorical and literary. The subject is usually an abstract noun (shadow, gloom, pall, cloud). Rarely used in casual speech.
Words that pair with "cast over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shadow gloom pall cloud darkness sadness
How to conjugate "cast over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cast over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
casts over
he/she/it
Past simple
casted over
yesterday
Past participle
casted over
have + pp
-ing form
casting over
continuous
Hear "cast over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cast over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "cast over"
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