Call off: meaning, definitions and examples

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call off

 

[ kɔːl ɒf ]

Phrasal verb
Context #1 | Phrasal verb

cancel plans or an event

To decide that a planned event will not happen, or to end an activity because it is no longer considered necessary or useful.

Synonyms

abort, cancel, postpone

Examples of usage

  • The meeting has been called off due to bad weather.
  • They called off the wedding at the last minute.
Context #2 | Phrasal verb

stop or abandon something

To stop doing something or to decide not to continue with a planned action.

Synonyms

cease, discontinue, halt

Examples of usage

  • The search was called off when it got too dark.
  • She called off the engagement after realizing they were not compatible.

Translations

Translations of the word "call off" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cancelar

🇮🇳 रद्द करना

🇩🇪 absagen

🇮🇩 membatalkan

🇺🇦 скасувати

🇵🇱 odwołać

🇯🇵 キャンセルする

🇫🇷 annuler

🇪🇸 cancelar

🇹🇷 iptal etmek

🇰🇷 취소하다

🇸🇦 إلغاء

🇨🇿 zrušit

🇸🇰 zrušiť

🇨🇳 取消

🇸🇮 preklicati

🇮🇸 hætta við

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 ləğv etmək

🇲🇽 cancelar

Word origin

The origin of the phrase 'call off' can be traced back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the practice of calling off hounds during a fox hunt when the pursued animal goes to ground and cannot be followed. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass the idea of canceling or stopping an activity or event.