Invoke

Definition

To call upon with earnestness or urgency; to call forth or bring about.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvoʊk/
• Respelling: in-VOHK (with "in" as in "tin" and "VOHK" as in "poke")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvəʊk/
• Respelling: in-VOHK (with "in" as in "tin" and "VOHK" as in "poke")

In both dialects, "invoke" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "VOHK." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-VOHK."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "invocare", which combines "in-" (into) and "vocare" (to call), denoting the act of calling upon.

Derivatives

• Invocation
• Invocable
• Invoker
• Invocatory
• Invokingly

Synonyms

• Summon
• Evoke
• Call upon

Antonyms

• Repel
• Dissuade
• Quash

Usage

"Invoke" is used in various contexts including religious, legal, and programming contexts to describe the act of calling upon a higher power, authority, or function.

Related Terms

• Prayer
• Ritual
• Summoning
• Petition
• Appeal

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Invoke (Verb): To call on (a deity, spirit, etc.) in prayer or as a witness.
  • Example: "The priest invoked the gods to bless the harvest."

• Invoke (Verb): To summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic.
  • Example: "The witch invoked a powerful spell to protect the village."

• Invoke (Verb): To cite or appeal to (an authority) as an aid in support of an argument.
  • Example: "The lawyer invoked the precedent to strengthen her case."

• Invoke (Verb, Computing): To cause a procedure to be carried out.
  • Example: "The program invoked a function to process the data."

Note: The term "invoke" primarily pertains to the act of calling upon, whether in a spiritual, legal, or general context. Its application can range from religious rituals to legal proceedings.