called off

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Canceled an event, activity, or arrangement that was planned to happen.

   Grammar: Takes an object: called off the meeting. The object can go after 'off' or between 'called' and 'off'.

   Patterns

   • called off something
   • called something off

   They called off the wedding at the last minute.

   The concert was called off because of the storm.

   The referee called off the match when the field became unsafe.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Ordered an animal to stop attacking or chasing.

   Grammar: Takes an object: called off the dog. Often used with 'dog' or 'dogs'.

   Patterns

   • called off the dog
   • called the dog off

   The owner quickly called off his dog when he saw the children.

   She called the dogs off before they reached the gate.

   The security guard called off the guard dog with a sharp command.

Common combinations

called off a strike

The union called off the strike after a new offer.

called off the search

Rescuers called off the search at nightfall.

called off at the last minute

The flight was called off at the last minute.

Synonyms and how they differ

canceled

Canceled is the general word; called off is more informal and often used for events, sports, and plans.

abandoned

Abandoned suggests giving up something already started; called off usually means stopping something before it begins.

Opposites

Word family

call off verb

The base form; to cancel or order to stop.

Commonly confused: called off or called out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “called off”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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