Cast a Spell on Someone Meaning
Definition: To use magic on someone or something; to intrigue or delight someone.
This phrase has two primary meanings. The first has to do with magic and the casting of spells.
The second has to with figuratively enchanting someone. If you find someone particularly interesting or captivating, it might be said that he has cast a spell over you with his charm and charisma.
Origin of Cast a Spell
This expression originated in the 1800s. It is unclear exactly how it came into use.
However, cast comes from the Old Norse word kasta. It can mean to throw or to spread over an area. Because people often think of magic as something you send at someone from afar, it is possible it comes from this definition. For an example of this, think of two people throwing spells at each other from magic wands, as depicted in popular stories like Harry Potter.
Spell comes from Old English and can mean either enchantment or influence over.
Examples of Cast a Spell
In the conversation below, two friends discuss a third friend, who is Wiccan.
Scott: Hey, did you know that some people consider themselves witches?
Tony: Sure. You mean Wiccans, right? Like our friend Laura?
Scott: Laura is a witch? So does that mean she casts spells on people?
Tony: Maybe not in the way you are imagining.
Scott: If not the way I’m imagining, then how?
Tony: Why don’t you just ask her? She could definitely give you more information than I could.
In the next example, two friends use the expression while talking about a potential romantic partner.
Richard: Miranda, aren’t you seeing someone new?
Miranda: Yeah, I am actually. How did you know?
Richard: Sarah told me. She says you are head over heels.
Miranda: I am! His name is David, and he is the sweetest, most caring guy I know. I can’t wait to see where the relationship goes.
Richard: Sounds as if he’s really cast a spell over you.
Miranda: Something like that. It’s great to meet a nice guy finally.
Richard: Well, I’m happy for you.
More Examples
The first example uses the expression a little differently. Here, it talks about how music has the power to heal. That power cast a spell on a man named Leslie Greif. This means that the man was truly fascinated by, and influenced by, the power of music.
It’s that transcendent power that long ago cast a spell on the series’ producer Leslie Greif, who grew up around music (his father managed Motown songwriter-producer Lamont Dozier). After discussions with CMT about developing a scripted series, Greif took in the Sun Records-era jukebox musical “Million Dollar Quartet” and was hooked. –LA Times
The second example is about people who want to use magic to influence the actions of a president.
A group of self-proclaimed witches took to Facebook – yes, apparently witches use social media – in an attempt to have a large, group spell cast on President Donald Trump and his supporters.
- The goal of the spell, they said, was not to harm the 45th president, but rather to bind him – stop Trump from doing any harm to others. –Houston Chronicle
Summary
To cast a spell on someone or something means to enchant that person or thing using magic or charm.
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