call off

Short definition: The phrase call off means to cancel an event, plan, or activity that was previously arranged, usually because of problems, bad weather, or a change of decision.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb call off? This is a common expression in English and it is often used in situations involving plans, events, or actions. It usually means canceling something that was previously arranged, but it can also refer to stopping an action that is already in progress. Because it is used in both formal and informal settings, context determines the exact meaning. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how call off works in daily English.

call off v. /ˌkɔːl ˈɒf/

Forms: call off, calls off, called off, calling off
Related: cancel v., postpone v., stop v., abandon v.
Syllable: call-off

  1. (Verb) To cancel something that was planned or scheduled.

    To call off most commonly means to cancel an event, meeting, or plan that had already been arranged, often because of unexpected circumstances.

    They had to call off the wedding due to unforeseen problems.
    The game was called off because of heavy rain.
    She decided to call off the meeting after several people canceled.

    Synonyms: cancel, postpone, abort, stop, suspend, abandon, scrap, revoke, terminate, withdraw, shut down, nullify
    Antonyms: proceed, continue, go ahead with, confirm, approve, schedule, arrange, hold, carry on, move forward, organize, finalize

  2. (Verb) To order someone or something to stop an action.

    Call off can also mean instructing someone to stop doing something that has already begun, such as calling off a search or attack.

    The police called off the search after finding the missing hiker.
    He quickly called off the dog when it started barking aggressively.
    The manager called off the strike negotiations.

    Synonyms: halt, stop, recall, withdraw, pull back, stand down, suspend action, break off, shut down, end operation, terminate activity, cease
    Antonyms: initiate, launch, begin, start up, carry out, continue action, press on, escalate, advance, intensify, push forward, activate

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Call off

Due to a sudden change in circumstances, friends Thomas and Mia are discussing a planned event. This conversation highlights call off, which means to cancel something that was scheduled or to order an animal or person to stop attacking.

Thomas: I think we should call off the hiking trip because the weather forecast is predicting a severe thunderstorm for tomorrow.

Mia: I agree; it’s much safer to call off the outing now than to get stuck in the middle of a forest during a lightning storm.

Thomas: I read that the union decided to call off the strike after they reached a favorable agreement with the management team.

Mia: I noticed that they had to call off the search for the missing boat when the waves became too dangerous for the divers.

Thomas: If the bride and groom call off the wedding at the last minute, it can be a very expensive and emotional situation for everyone.

Mia: I saw a neighbor call off his dog when it started barking aggressively at a delivery driver who was approaching the porch.

Thomas: Sometimes you just have to call off a project if it becomes clear that it is no longer financially or practically viable for the firm.

Mia: I agree; I’d rather call off a meeting and reschedule it than try to rush through it when no one is properly prepared.

Thomas: I’m going to call off my subscription; I simply don't have enough time to read the magazines every month anymore.

Mia: That makes sense; once you call off the service, you’ll save some money and reduce the amount of paper waste in your home.

Phrases Containing the Phrasal Verb Call Off

The phrases below show how the phrasal verb call off is used to talk about canceling events, stopping activities, or ending planned actions.

Call off a meeting

To cancel a scheduled meeting.

The manager had to call off the meeting due to an urgent issue that required immediate attention.

Call off an event

To cancel an occasion.

The organizers decided to call off the outdoor event because of severe weather conditions.

Call off a wedding

To cancel a marriage ceremony.

They made the difficult decision to call off the wedding after realizing they were not ready.

Call off a search

To stop looking for something.

Rescue teams had to call off the search temporarily due to unsafe conditions.

Call off a strike

To cancel a planned protest.

The union agreed to call off the strike after reaching an agreement with management.

Call off plans

To cancel arrangements.

They called off their weekend plans because of an unexpected family emergency.

Call off negotiations

To stop discussions.

The company decided to call off negotiations when talks failed to progress.

Call off the game

To cancel a sports match.

The referee had to call off the game due to dangerous playing conditions.

Call off the deal

To cancel an agreement.

The buyer called off the deal after discovering hidden issues with the property.

Call off the operation

To stop a planned action.

The authorities called off the operation when new intelligence emerged.

Call off the trip

To cancel travel plans.

They called off the trip due to unexpected travel restrictions.

Call off a test

To cancel an examination.

The school had to call off the test because of a technical issue.

Call off temporarily

To stop for a short time.

The event was called off temporarily until conditions improved.

Call off suddenly

To cancel without warning.

The concert was called off suddenly, disappointing hundreds of fans.

Call off completely

To cancel entirely.

The project was called off completely after funding was withdrawn.

Call off due to weather

To cancel because of conditions.

The outdoor festival was called off due to weather concerns.

Call off an engagement

To cancel a commitment.

She called off the engagement after careful reflection.

Call off the meeting early

To end sooner than planned.

The director called off the meeting early when all issues had been addressed.

Call off arrangements

To cancel preparations.

They had to call off arrangements that had taken months to prepare.

Call off an interview

To cancel a job meeting.

The candidate called off the interview after accepting another offer.

Words Rhyme with call off

fall off
ball off
hall off
tall off
wall off
small off
stall off
crawl off
drawl off
all off
off
scoff
doff
cough
trough
soft
aloft
loft
croft
golf
off-hand
cutoff
playoff
layoff
show-off
take-off
kick-off
spin-off
send-off
rip-off
POS: Verb Phrase