Dejected and depressed when given the chuck (8)
I believe the answer is:
downcast
'dejected' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'depressed when given the chuck' is the wordplay.
'depressed' becomes 'down' (synonyms).
'when given' says to put letters next to each other.
'the chuck' becomes 'cast' (both can mean to throw).
'down'+'cast'='DOWNCAST'
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for downcast that I've seen before include "Dispirited, gloomy" , "Dejected and discouraged" , "Feeling despondent" , "Sad" , "directed towards ground" .)