The phrasal verb "call off" is predominantly used in informal contexts, but it can also appear in more formal settings without feeling out of place. It typically means to cancel or abandon a planned event or activity. For instance, one might "call off" a meeting or "call off" the search when an organization decides to cease efforts. The term is commonly utilized across various situations in both spoken and written communication, such as during discussions of plans or formal official statements where events or operations are canceled. Its usage is clear and direct, yet it doesn't carry any particular emotional weight or colloquial tone, making it versatile across different levels of formality.
B1
Intermediate
1. To cancel an event or planned action.
They decided to call off the meeting due to the bad weather.
The concert was called off because the lead singer fell ill.
2. To order someone or something to stop attacking or pursuing.
The police called off the search for the missing person after several weeks.
He called off his dog when it started barking at the neighbor.