cancel

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/ˈkænsəl/
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To stop a plan, make something invalid, or remove its effect.
Practice using cancel in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • They canceled the concert at short notice.
  • The two factors cancel in this fraction.
  • The company canceled the debt.
  • The bank canceled the cheque.
  • The positive and negative charges cancel.

Similar words

eliminate
shun
void
revoke
boycott
invalidate
mark used
annul
scrap
call off

Meanings

Stop a plan

verb
everyday
neutral
To decide that an event, trip, order, or service will not happen or continue.

Examples

  • We had to cancel the trip because of the storm.
  • She canceled her appointment.
  • The airline canceled our flight.
  • You can cancel the order online.
  • They canceled the concert at short notice.

Similar words

call off
scrap

Make officially invalid

verb
law and finance
formal
To make an agreement, debt, right, or official order no longer valid.

Examples

  • The court canceled the old order.
  • The company canceled the debt.
  • His membership was canceled after the dispute.
  • The bank canceled the cheque.
  • The agreement was canceled by both sides.

Similar words

annul
void
revoke

Mark as used or void

verb
administration
neutral
To mark a stamp, ticket, or document so that it cannot be used again.

Examples

  • Please cancel this stamp before filing the form.
  • The clerk canceled the ticket after use.
  • Each used stamp was canceled with a mark.
  • The office canceled the old document.
  • The signature had been canceled with a line.

Similar words

invalidate
mark used
cross out

Remove matching parts

verb
mathematics
technical
To remove equal or matching terms from a calculation.

Examples

  • The two factors cancel in this fraction.
  • These equal terms cancel each other out.
  • First, cancel the common factor.
  • The positive and negative charges cancel.
  • You can cancel the twos on both sides.

Similar words

eliminate
remove

Withdraw public support

verb
social media
informal
To stop supporting a person or organization publicly, especially after criticism of their behaviour.

Examples

  • Fans tried to cancel the singer after the remarks.
  • The actor was canceled online.
  • Some people want to cancel anyone who disagrees.
  • A single mistake should not cancel a person.
  • Critics say the brand was canceled too quickly.

Similar words

boycott
shun

Etymology

From Latin cancellare, “to mark with crossing lines,” through Old French.

FAQ

What does cancel usually mean?

It usually means to stop a planned event, booking, order, or service.

Can you cancel an appointment?

Yes. If you cancel it, it will not take place as planned.

What is the American past tense of cancel?

Canceled; British English commonly writes cancelled.

What does cancel mean in mathematics?

It means removing matching factors or terms from a calculation.

What does it mean to cancel someone?

Informally, it means withdrawing public support from them after criticism.

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