cast down

To make someone feel sad or lose hope.

• Do not be cast down.
• The news of his failure cast him down.
• She was cast down by their cold reply.

How to use it: be cast down by something (She was cast down by the news.)

Similar words: dishearten, discourage, depress

Opposites: encourage, hearten

Common phrases: cast down someone, be cast down

To defeat someone or destroy their power or success.

• The rebels cast down the king.
• The once mighty empire was cast down.
• They vowed to cast down their enemies.

How to use it: cast someone/something down (The rebellion cast the ruler down.)

Similar words: overthrow, defeat, bring down

Common phrases: cast down someone, cast down rulers

To throw or drop something towards the ground or a lower place.

• He cast down his sword.
• She cast the broken cup down onto the floor.
• They cast stones down from the wall.

How to use it: cast something down (He cast his sword down at her feet.)

Similar words: throw down, fling down

Common phrases: cast down something, cast down stones