English · Daily Life
call off
/kɔːl ɒf/
[/kɔːl ɒf/]
cancel
Intermediateverb
Definition
To cancel an event or stop an activity that is planned or in progress.
Example
The organisers called off the outdoor concert when lightning was spotted near the festival grounds.
The organisers called off the outdoor concert when lightning was spotted near the festival grounds.
Etymology
Combines 'call' with 'off', from the idea of calling away hounds or workers to stop an activity.
How & Where It’s Used
Neutral register, common for cancelling events, searches, deals, or strikes.