invocation

noun

in·​vo·​ca·​tion ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of petitioning for help or support

specifically, often capitalized : a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship)

b

: a calling upon for authority or justification

2

: a formula for conjuring : incantation

3

: an act of legal or moral implementation : enforcement

invocational

ˌin-və-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

invocatory

in-ˈvä-kə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• abracadabra
• bewitchment
• charm
• conjuration
• enchantment
• glamour
• glamor
• hex
• incantation
• spell
• whammy

Examples of invocation in a Sentence

his repeated invocations of the ancient philosophers

justifying his position by invocation of the past

The poem begins with an invocation of the Muses.

They began the meeting with an invocation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Barring a surprise invocation of the War Powers Act, Trump probably won’t court the logistical hassles of trying to kneecap his broadcast bête noires. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2024

In the Elizabethan period, when a poet’s relationship with the muses was perceived as directly proportionate to their success in romance, loving attention was paid to their invocation in rhythm and rhyme. —Alison Habens, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2024

There is a frequent invocation of the Jews by right-wing Asian commentators, with conservatives from both groups bewildered by the liberal tendencies of their demographic as a whole. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Detroit Pastor Lorenzo Sewell led a booming invocation that brought attendees to their feet to put their hands in the air in prayer. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English invocacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French invocation, from Latin invocation-, invocatio, from invocare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

invocation

noun

in·​vo·​ca·​tion ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of asking for help or support

b

: a prayer for blessing or guidance (as at the beginning of a religious service)

2

: a formula for calling forth spirits or performing magic : incantation

invocational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

invocation

noun

in·​vo·​ca·​tion ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: a calling upon for authority or justification

2

: an act of legal implementation

an invocation of the contract clause