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call off

to cancel

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to cancel or decide not to do something that was planned

2. (verb) to order a dog or person to stop attacking or chasing someone

Examples

• 1. They called off the wedding after deciding they weren't ready.
• 2. The police officer called off the dog when the suspect stopped running.

How to use call off

Call off is a phrasal verb meaning to cancel or abandon a planned event, or to order someone (especially a dog) to cease an action. It is common in both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more casual than 'cancel.' The first sense emphasizes abandoning prior arrangements, while the second involves commanding cessation of aggressive behavior.

Common phrases

• call off a meeting
• call off the engagement
• call off the search
• call off the dogs
• call off an event

Synonyms

cancel · abandon · postpone · halt · scrub

Opposites

proceed with · go ahead with

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse call off with call on (to invite someone to speak) or call out (to criticize or summon); note that call off specifically means to cancel or stop, not to summon or criticize.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

break down, bring about, bring up, carry out, catch on, come across

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained