Definition of cast out

The word "cast out" is derived from the Old English phrase "ceastian" or "ceastan," which literally means "thrown out" or "expelled." The term is related to the Old Norse word "kasta," which means "to throw," and the Old High German word "koust," which means "to throw out." In its literal sense, "cast out" refers to the act of physically throwing something or someone out of a place. In terms of human behavior, the term has come to mean, metaphorically, to banish, exclude, or reject someone from a community, group, or society due to a perceived offense or breach of social norms. The concept of "casting out" has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history. For example, in ancient Greece, individuals who showed signs of insanity or disobedience were often "cast out" from their communities and left to fend for themselves. Similarly, in medieval times, some religious communities expelled individuals who were deemed to have violated their faith or broken moral codes. Today, the term "cast out" is still used in various contexts to signify expulsion or rejection from a social or political group or community. It can also be used figuratively to describe being ostracized, excluded, or rejected due to personal traits, beliefs, or behavior that may be perceived as undesirable or threatening by others.