cancel

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to make invalid for use

   They cancelled the tickets for the concert.

2. 2
   verb

   to declare null and void

   I cancelled the check.

3. 3
   verb

   to postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled

   They cancelled our date.

4. 4
   verb

   to make up for

   This wine should cancel our tardiness.

5. 5
   verb

   To cross out something with lines etc.

   A deed may be avoided by delivering it up to be cancelled; that is, to have lines drawn over it in the form of latticework or cancelli; the phrase is now used figuratively for any manner of obliterating or defacing it.

6. 6
   verb

   To invalidate or annul something.

   He cancelled his order on their website.

7. 7
   verb

   To mark something (such as a used postage stamp) so that it can't be reused.

   This machine cancels the letters that have a valid zip code.

8. 8
   verb

   To offset or equalize something.

   The corrective feedback mechanism cancels out the noise.

Etymology

From Middle English cancellen, from Anglo-Norman canceler (“to cross out with lines”) (modern French chanceler (“to stagger, sway”)), from Old French canceler, from Latin cancellō (“to make resemble a lattice”), from cancellus (“a railing or lattice”), diminutive of cancer (“a lattice”).