cancel

Definition

To cross out something with lines etc.

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”).

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "He cancelled his order on their website."
• ""I don't know what your agreement was, Herr Professor, but if it had money in it, cancel it. I want him to learn that lesson, too.""