invoke

verb

Sayin-VOHKUS/ɪnˈvoʊk/UK/ɪnˈvəʊk/

8 meanings of invoke

1
verbtransitive
To name an expert, rule, or source to back up what you are saying.
Like saying 'my coach says so' to win an argument.
Lawyers often invoke earlier rulings to strengthen their case.
She invoked a famous scientist to support her point.
Similarcite, reference, appeal
Note
2
verbtransitive
To call on a god or powerful person for help or guidance.
Like calling a parent's name when you need help.
Sailors used to invoke the gods before a long voyage.
She invoked her ancestors for strength during the trial.
Similarentreat, implore, beseech, supplicate
Note
3
verbtransitive
To bring an idea, feeling, or memory into your mind for a reason.
Like opening an old photo to remember a happy day.
The poem invokes pictures of a lost childhood.
Writers often invoke nostalgia to connect with readers.
Similarevoke
Note
4
verbtransitive
To ask for kindness, support, or a fair response from someone.
Like asking a teacher to go easy on you.
The defendant invoked the court's mercy.
Charities invoke public sympathy whenever donations fall.
Similarappeal, petition, solicit
Note
5
verbtransitive
To call up a spirit or magical being using special words.
Like saying magic words to call up a genie.
The sorcerer invoked an ancient demon at midnight.
The villagers gathered to invoke the storm spirits.
Similarsummon
Oppositebanish, dismiss
Note
6
verbtransitive
To cause something to happen as a sure result.
Like flipping a switch that always turns the light on.
Breaking the treaty would invoke severe penalties.
His careless words invoked a storm of criticism.
Similarinduce, provoke, incite, drive, engender
7
verbtransitive
To start a computer program or part of one running.
Like pressing 'play' to make a song start.
The script invokes a helper to clean up the data.
You can invoke the command straight from the terminal.
Similarcall, run, execute, launch
Note
8
verbtransitive
To signal or call out to another ship at sea.
Like waving at another car on an empty road to get its attention.
The captain invoked a passing freighter for assistance.
Ships in trouble may invoke any vessel within range.
Similarsignal
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin invocare, meaning 'to call upon', made from in- plus vocare 'to call'. It came into English through Old French.