evoke

verb

Sayi-VOHK/ɪˈvoʊk/UK/ɪˈvəʊk/

Formsevokes, evoking, evoked

3 meanings of evoke

1
verbtransitive
To bring forth a feeling, image, or memory in someone's mind or imagination.
Like catching a whiff of perfume that suddenly brings back a person you once knew.
A few bars of that old song can evoke a whole lost summer.
The painting evokes a deep sense of calm in nearly everyone who studies it.
Similarinspire, excite, invoke
2
verbtransitive
To draw out a response or reaction from someone.
Like tapping a knee to see the reflex kick.
The senator's remarks evoked immediate criticism from both parties.
Sharp questions evoke honest answers when asked at the right moment.
Similarprovoke, trigger, incite, induce, excite
3
verbtransitive
To call forth; to draw out or bring something into the open.
Like pulling a single thread to draw the whole spool toward you.
Ancient priests would evoke their gods before any major battle.
Skilled interviewers evoke candid details that their subjects rarely volunteer.
Similarsummon, invoke, elicit, conjure

Practice

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Origin

From French évoquer, from Latin ēvocō ("to call out, summon"), which combines ex ("out") and vocō ("call"). It is related to the word "voice."