The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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cancel

verb

/ˈkæn səl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of cancel

To terminate, void, or revoke something that was previously arranged, planned, or scheduled.
"They had to cancel the flight due to severe weather conditions."

Detailed meaning of cancel

When you cancel an event, appointment, or arrangement, you decide to no longer proceed with it or make it null and void. This could be due to various reasons, such as unforeseen circumstances, changes in plans, or a decision to abandon the original intention. Canceling typically involves notifying all parties involved about the change or termination, often resulting in the event or commitment being called off or rescheduled for a later time. It signifies the deliberate act of discontinuing or putting an end to something that was once planned or anticipated.

Example sentences containing cancel

1. I'm sorry, but we need to cancel our dinner reservation for tonight.
2. The event organizers had to cancel the concert due to low ticket sales.
3. The company decided to cancel the project after encountering budgetary constraints.
4. We had to cancel our vacation plans because of a family emergency.
5. The hotel offered a full refund when we had to cancel our reservation.
6. Due to a scheduling conflict, they had to cancel the meeting and reschedule it for next week.

History and etymology of cancel

The verb 'cancel' has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin word 'cancellare,' which means 'to cross out' or 'to make like a lattice.' In ancient Rome, scribes or officials would often mark documents or decrees by crossing out or drawing lines through certain parts to indicate their annulment or revocation. The word 'cancellare' itself comes from 'cancelli,' which were the lattice-like barriers or screens used in various contexts, including in front of a judge's bench. This association with crossing out or rendering something void eventually gave rise to the modern English sense of 'cancel,' which means to terminate or revoke something that was previously arranged, planned, or scheduled. The etymology of 'cancel' illustrates the historical practice of making changes or annulling arrangements through the act of crossing out, a concept that has endured in our language and culture to this day.

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Further usage examples of cancel

1. The artist had to cancel their tour dates due to illness.
2. The school decided to cancel classes for the day due to inclement weather.
3. I had to cancel my subscription to the magazine because I no longer had time to read it.
4. The theater had to cancel the play due to unforeseen circumstances.
5. We had to cancel our anniversary party because many of our guests were unable to attend.
6. They had to cancel the flight due to bad weather.
7. I will cancel my subscription to that magazine.
8. She had to cancel the meeting at the last minute.
9. The event was canceled due to low attendance.
10. We'll cancel the order and refund your payment.
11. He decided to cancel his vacation plans.
12. The restaurant had to cancel our reservation.
13. They canceled the concert due to illness.
14. Please cancel my appointment for tomorrow.
15. The conference was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
16. We had to cancel the party because of a power outage.
17. They decided to cancel the project due to budget constraints.
18. The airline canceled our flight without notice.
19. I'll cancel the service if it doesn't improve.
20. The bad weather forced us to cancel the picnic.
21. She asked to cancel her gym membership.
22. The school had to cancel classes due to a snowstorm.
23. They canceled the lease agreement after a dispute.
24. I'll cancel the order if it doesn't arrive soon.
25. The company may cancel the project due to delays.