Upcast

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈʌpkæst/

Definitions

1. Directed or thrown in an upward direction ; the act of casting something using a raised arm or hand
2. Moving or projecting upward, often applied to objects or forces ; performing a cast by lifting the arm to throw or launch
3. Sent or aimed toward a higher position ; the action of throwing or casting with an elevated limb or motion

Etymology: "Upcast" is about as transparent as English compounds get: the prefix "up-" joined to "cast," so the word literally means to cast upward. Its first appearance in English was in Middle English, where it was formed as "upcasten" from the same two parts, showing that speakers were already combining directional prefixes with verbs of throwing to describe a movement that needed no further explanation. The verb's core sense is a throw or fling aimed skyward, whether of a stone, a ball, or a hand. The noun meaning, the act of casting with a raised arm or hand, grows directly from that gesture, so the word describes both the motion and the object sent through it.

Synonyms: cast up, project, throw, hurl, propel

Antonyms: downcast