To "cast a gloom upon" refers to the act of causing a sense of sadness, darkness, or despair to overshadow or permeate a situation, place, or person. It involves bringing about an atmosphere of dejection or despondency, an oppressive feeling that dampens spirits or hinders optimism.
This phrase captures the idea of something or someone exerting a negative influence or having a detrimental impact on the mood or energy of a particular context. It suggests a figurative dark cloud or shadow being cast, obscuring the light and leading to a general sense of gloominess or unhappiness.
The expression can be used in various contexts to illustrate the effect of a particular event, news, or circumstance that instantly dampens the mood or changes the overall atmosphere within a social gathering, a home, a workplace, or any other environment. It conveys the idea that the event or situation being referred to has the power to taint the atmosphere, leaving people feeling sorrowful, disheartened, or laden with negative emotions.
Additionally, "cast a gloom upon" can also be associated with an individual's emotional state. It may describe a person who, due to their own disposition, burdens others with a sense of melancholy, sadness, or pessimism. Such an individual seemingly has an influential power to alter the general mood and inspiration of those around them by spreading their own gloom.
