Cancel Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Cancel, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Cancel?

(v) Cancel is the process by which an order, agreement, promise, offer etc is nullified by the party authorized to do so, to prevail the situation existing previously. A cancellation is made by crossing the document, making a withdrawal order etc. Eg. cancellation of a check by crossing on the face of it and marking as cancelled.

History and Meaning of Cancel

The term "cancel" has been in use for centuries and it refers to that process by which something that was previously agreed upon or promised is nullified, or rendered void. This process is typically carried out by the party authorized to do so by the terms of the agreement or by applicable laws. In general, the goal of a cancellation is to restore the situation that existed before the agreement was made or the promise was given.

Examples of Cancel

  1. A concert is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
  2. An airline cancels a flight and offers its passengers a refund or a rebooking.
  3. A buyer cancels an order because the seller did not deliver on time.
  4. A hotel cancels a reservation because the guest did not show up at the agreed time.
  5. A bank cancels a check because it was reported as stolen.

Legal Terms Similar to Cancel

  1. Termination - the act of bringing something to an end.
  2. Annulment - the act of declaring something to be void.
  3. Rescission - the act of unmaking or undoing a transaction.
  4. Void - describes a document that has no legal effect.
  5. Repeal - the act of revoking a law or regulation.