The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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invoke

verb

/ɪnˈvoʊk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of invoke

To call upon or summon a higher power, deity, or spiritual force for assistance, support, guidance, or protection.
"The singer's rendition of the national anthem seemed to invoke a wave of patriotism."

Detailed meaning of invoke

It involves invoking or appealing to something or someone beyond oneself, often in the form of prayers, rituals, or invocations. Invoking can also be used in a broader sense to describe the act of citing or referring to something, such as a principle, concept, or authority, to support or justify a particular argument, action, or belief. It implies the act of drawing upon a source of authority or invoking a specific set of rules, laws, or traditions to make a claim or establish credibility. In literature and artistic expression, invoking refers to evoking a certain mood, emotion, or atmosphere through language, imagery, or symbolism. Overall, invoking encompasses the idea of calling upon, summoning, or evoking a power, presence, or concept to aid, support, justify, or create a certain effect.

Example sentences containing invoke

1. The architect's design attempts to invoke the beauty of ancient Greek architecture.
2. The lawyer plans to invoke his client's right to remain silent.
3. The meditation class teaches techniques to invoke a sense of inner peace.
4. Can you invoke the Alexa skill to play the top hits?
5. He struggled to invoke the courage necessary to confront his boss.
6. To cure her writer's block, she would often invoke the muse with a quiet walk in the park.

History and etymology of invoke

The verb 'invoke' has its origins in the Latin word 'invocare,' which combines 'in,' meaning 'in,' and 'vocare,' meaning 'to call.' In Latin, 'invocare' denoted the act of calling upon or summoning something or someone, often in a religious or spiritual context. It encompassed the idea of seeking assistance, support, guidance, or protection from higher powers, deities, or spiritual forces. As Latin evolved into Old French, 'invocare' transformed into 'envoquer' and eventually made its way into English as 'invoke.' The etymology of 'invoke' thus underscores its historical association with the act of calling upon or summoning higher powers or spiritual entities for various forms of aid or intervention.

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Further usage examples of invoke

1. In order to pass the examination, he had to invoke all his knowledge and experience.
2. The witch's spell was meant to invoke a spirit from the underworld.
3. Their new advertising campaign tries to invoke nostalgia for the 1990s.
4. The artist's painting aimed to invoke a sense of awe and wonder.
5. The professor had to invoke his authority to stop the heated argument in class.
6. The council decided to invoke a rarely-used rule to resolve the dispute.
7. She would often invoke her grandmother's wisdom when making big life decisions.
8. The coach's speech before the game was meant to invoke team spirit.
9. In an attempt to calm his nerves, he would often invoke his favorite mantra.
10. The government decided to invoke emergency powers due to the crisis.
11. When faced with the challenge, he had to invoke his training and instincts.
12. To celebrate the holiday, the villagers would invoke an old tradition.
13. If the product doesn't work properly, they'll invoke the warranty to get a replacement.
14. In times of trouble, she would invoke her guardian angel.
15. The shaman would invoke ancient spirits during rituals.
16. He decided to invoke divine intervention for his health.
17. The priest would invoke blessings upon the congregation.
18. When lost in the wilderness, he would invoke nature's help.
19. In prayer, they would often invoke God's mercy.
20. The ritual allowed them to invoke ancestral wisdom.
21. She needed to invoke inner strength to face her fears.
22. During the storm, sailors would invoke Neptune's favor.
23. In meditation, he would invoke inner peace and clarity.
24. The monk would invoke serenity through chanting.