verb / noun
cancel
KAN-suhl/ˈkænsl/
To remove the effect or validity of something.
The organizer cancels the event by marking its poster accordingly.
Etymology
Latin cancellare described making a lattice pattern, then crossing out writing with intersecting lines. This physical erasure became figurative nullification: making an obligation or plan no longer valid.
In context
I really didn't know what my body had planned for me that day it felt like I wouldn't perform as well and unfortunately had to cancel my exam
More examples
- Press cancel to stop the file transfer.
- Equal terms on opposite sides cancel each other.
- The airline canceled the flight because of heavy snow.
Forms
cancel · cancels · canceled · canceling
Similar words
- postpone
- Moves an event to a later time, while cancel removes the existing arrangement.