Meaning of Word
Call off is a phrasal verb in English meaning to cancel, stop, or withdraw something that was planned or in progress.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To cancel an event, activity, or arrangement that was previously scheduled.
- To order a person, group, or animal to stop or retreat.
- To abandon or withdraw from an ongoing task or plan.
History and Origin
The phrase call off originates from the combination of the verb “call,” meaning to summon or direct attention, and “off,” which implies stopping or withdrawing. Its usage can be traced back to the 15th century in English, evolving into its modern sense of canceling or halting an action.
Detailed Explanation
Call off is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the cessation of an activity or plan. It often applies to organized events such as meetings, games, or protests, especially when unforeseen circumstances arise. In another sense, it is used to direct a person, group, or animal, like a guard dog, to stop an action or retreat. The phrase can also convey a sense of urgency when halting something already underway.
Example Sentences
- They decided to call off the concert due to bad weather.
- The manager had to call off the meeting because the key stakeholders were absent.
- The search for the missing hiker was called off after several days of no leads.
- The police were forced to call off the chase to avoid endangering pedestrians.
- We had to call off our vacation plans because of a family emergency.
- The coach called off practice after the players complained about exhaustion.
- She called off the engagement because she felt unprepared for marriage.
- The workers agreed to call off the strike after negotiations succeeded.
- The dog was about to attack, but its owner called it off just in time.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Cancel: To decide not to proceed with something.
- Postpone: To delay an event or activity to a later time.
- Abort: To stop something in progress before completion.
- Suspend: To temporarily halt an activity or operation.
- Retract: To withdraw an action, statement, or order.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Halt: To bring an activity to a stop.
- Withdraw: To remove or take back something.
- Cease: To come to an end or stop an action.
- Adjourn: To end a meeting or event temporarily.
- Terminate: To bring something to an end permanently.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Break off: To end a relationship or negotiation abruptly.
- Put off: To delay or postpone something.
- Back out: To withdraw from an agreement or commitment.
- Pull out: To withdraw from an activity or situation.
- Step down: To resign from a position or responsibility.
Antonyms
- Proceed: To continue with an action or plan.
- Resume: To start again after a pause.
- Confirm: To affirm or ensure that something will take place.
- Continue: To persist in an action or activity.
- Persevere: To keep going despite challenges.