Canceling: meaning, definitions and examples

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canceling

 

[ ˈkæn.səl.ɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action of stopping

Canceling refers to the act of deciding that something will not take place or that a previously made arrangement is no longer in effect. It can involve terminating an agreement, preventing a planned event, or nullifying a purchase. This term is commonly used in contexts related to subscriptions, reservations, and scheduled appointments.

Synonyms

annul, revoke, terminate, void

Examples of usage

  • I'm considering canceling my gym membership.
  • The airline is canceling all flights due to the storm.
  • She is canceling the meeting because of a scheduling conflict.
Context #2 | Verb

social media action

In recent years, canceling has evolved in popular culture to refer to the practice of withdrawing support for individuals or entities due to perceived objectionable actions or statements. This can occur in social media platforms where users call for boycotts or public shaming.

Synonyms

boycott, denounce, disavow

Examples of usage

  • There was a movement canceling celebrities who made inappropriate remarks.
  • The community is discussing the implications of canceling public figures.
  • They are canceling their support for the organization after recent controversies.

Translations

Translations of the word "canceling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cancelamento

🇮🇳 रद्द करना

🇩🇪 Stornierung

🇮🇩 pembatalan

🇺🇦 скасування

🇵🇱 anulowanie

🇯🇵 キャンセル

🇫🇷 annulation

🇪🇸 cancelación

🇹🇷 iptal etme

🇰🇷 취소

🇸🇦 إلغاء

🇨🇿 zrušení

🇸🇰 zrušenie

🇨🇳 取消

🇸🇮 preklic

🇮🇸 afpöntun

🇰🇿 болдырмау

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 ləğv etmə

🇲🇽 cancelación

Word origin

The word 'cancel' originates from the Latin word 'cancellare', which means 'to cross out' or 'to make void'. This Latin term derived from 'cancelli', which are the crossbars of a window. The term evolved into Old French as 'canceller', meaning 'to annul' or 'to revoke', before it made its way into the English language in the early 14th century. The concept initially focused on legal and official contexts, where agreements or records would be crossed out to indicate they were no longer valid. Over the centuries, the usage of 'cancel' expanded, adapting to modern contexts such as canceling subscriptions or reservations. The internet and social media have further influenced its evolution, introducing the concept of 'cancel culture', where individuals face backlash and are metaphorically 'canceled' from public favor due to their actions or statements.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,785, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.