call off — to cancel or postpone an event, meeting, or plan
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to cancel or postpone an event, meeting, or plan
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɔːl ɔːf/
Example Sentences
- The zombie apocalypse drill was called off when someone actually brought real zombies.
- Due to heavy rain, the outdoor concert was called off.
- The CEO had to call off the merger after discovering the other company was run by cats.
call off
NOUN[/kɔːl ɔːf/]
to cancel or postpone an event, meeting, or plan
The coach had to call off practice when the thunderstorm rolled in.
Call off the project as bricks fall off - wall off the danger zone!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'call' (to summon or name) combined with 'off' (away, from). The phrasal verb developed in Middle English as a direct, action-oriented way to express cancellation.
Breakdown
call (to summon, speak) + off (away, at a distance) = to summon away or reverse a summons = to cancel
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The zombie apocalypse drill was called off when someone actually brought real zombies.”
“Due to heavy rain, the outdoor concert was called off.”
“The CEO had to call off the merger after discovering the other company was run by cats.”
“The government called off the investigation due to lack of evidence.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.