Invoke

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvoʊk/

Definitions

1. To call upon a deity or higher power for help or support ; to refer to an authority as justification or support ; to bring about a specific effect or reaction
2. To appeal to a supernatural entity for assistance or guidance ; to mention a law, rule, or precedent as a reason or proof ; to trigger a particular outcome or response
3. To summon spiritual aid or protection through prayer or ritual ; to invoke a rule, law, or principle in argument or justification ; to activate or elicit a certain effect or behavior

Etymology: Latin "invocare" was built from "in-" ("into" or "upon") and "vocare" ("to call"), so its original sense was literally to call upon someone or something. The Latin word also gave English its doublet "invocate," a more formal relative that has largely faded from use, while "invoke" came through Middle English "invoken" and "envoken," borrowed from Old French "envoquer." The journey through French is what gives the word its shape. Latin "vocare" is the root of many English words, including "vocal" and "vocation," which share the idea of calling out. "Invoke" kept that core: a summons directed at a higher power, a saint, or a spirit, asking for aid or presence. Its modern sense of calling on a principle or precedent, as when someone invokes a law, grew out of that same act of appealing to an authority beyond oneself.

Synonyms: summon, call, conjure, request, cite

Antonyms: dismiss, ignore, repress, suppress, abandon