call off

verb

called off; calling off; calls off

transitive verb

1
: to draw away : divert
2
: cancel

Example Sentences

she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call off was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near call off

Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Kids Definition

call off

verb
1
: to draw away : divert
call off a dog
2
: cancel sense 2a
call off a meeting

More from Merriam-Webster on call off

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