Cancel
/ˈkæn.səl/noun
To revoke, annul, or invalidate something.
Did you know?The term 'cancel' originates from Latin, where it was used in the context of cutting off or removing something, often linked to ancient rituals of purification.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cancellare
“To make void or to cross out, literally meaning 'to break up'.”
Old French
Old French
canceller
“To annul or revoke, derived from the Latin term.”
Middle English
Middle English
cancellen
“To revoke or annul, adopted from Old French.”
Modern English
Modern English
cancel
“To declare invalid; to make void, carrying the idea of cutting off or removing.”