invoke

verb

in·​voke in-ˈvōk 

invoked; invoking

transitive verb

1

a

: to petition for help or support

b

: to appeal to or cite as authority

2

: to call forth by incantation : conjure

3

: to make an earnest request for : solicit

4

: to put into effect or operation : implement

5

: bring about, cause

invoker noun

Did you know?

evoke or invoke?

Don’t feel bad if you have difficulty remembering the difference between evoke and invoke, as the words are quite similar in many ways and have considerable overlap in meaning. However, the words do differ, and you would not want to substitute one for the other. Invoke is used of putting into effect or calling upon such things as laws, authority, or privilege (“the principal invoked a rule forbidding students from asking questions”). Evoke is primarily used in the sense “to call forth or up” and is often found in connection with such things as memories, emotions, or sympathy.

Synonyms

• beget
• breed
• bring
• bring about
• bring on
• catalyze
• cause
• create
• do
• draw on
• effect
• effectuate
• engender
• generate
• induce
• make
• occasion
• produce
• prompt
• result (in)
• spawn
• translate (into)
• work
• yield

Examples of invoke in a Sentence

Nietzsche is so complex that he can be invoked in support of many outlooks, some of them brutal or nihilistic. —Thomas Nagel, New Republic, 14 Jan. 2002

There are some people who commit murder as a way of invoking the death penalty. Capital punishment can sometimes, then, be equivalent to suicide. —George Freeman Solomon, People, 17 Jan. 1977

We began poring over the typewritten recipes at the dining room table, where I foolishly invoked the name of Julia Child … —Gael Greene, New York, 13 Sept. 1971

He invoked the memory of his predecessor.

She invoked history to prove her point.

He invoked his Fifth Amendment privileges.

The suspect invoked his right to an attorney.

invoke the authority of the court

Recent Examples on the Web

The district attorney also believes he’s been hurt by attacks from Republicans on the national stage, noting that former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have invoked his name on the campaign trail. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

The former president has sought to project a tough-on-crime persona during his three White House bids, and the debate comments underscored his willingness to invoke racially and politically charged criminal cases in US history in that pursuit. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2024

However, the long-standing liturgical celebrations invoked to pick a new pope are fascinating to behold. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2024

Lawmakers invoke Texas’ law on scientific evidence The House committee on Oct. 16 held an all-day meeting on Mr. Roberson’s case. —Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English envoken, from Middle French invoquer, from Latin invocare, from in- + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

invoke

verb

in·​voke in-ˈvōk 

invoked; invoking

1

: to call on for aid or protection (as in prayer)

2

: to call forth by magic : conjure

invoke spirits

3

: to appeal to as an authority or for support

invoke a law

Legal Definition

invoke

transitive verb

in·​voke in-ˈvōk 

invoked; invoking

1

: to appeal to as furnishing authority or motive

2

: to put into legal effect or call for the observance of : enforce

invoking his Fifth Amendment privilege

3

: to introduce or put into operation

invoking economic sanctions

4

: to be the cause of

regulations that invoke problems in enforcement