invoke

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To solicit, petition for, appeal to a favorable attitude.

   The envoy invoked the King of Kings's magnanimity to reduce his province's tribute after another drought.

2. 2
   verb

   To call to mind (something) for some purpose.

   After marriage, the man had anciently (but this was anterior to Christianity) the power of life and death over his wife. She could invoke no law against him; he was her sole tribunal and law.

3. 3
   verb

   To appeal for validation to a (notably cited) authority.

   In certain Christian circles, invoking the Bible constitutes irrefutable proof.

4. 4
   verb

   To conjure up with incantations.

   This satanist ritual invokes Beelzebub.

5. 5
   verb

   To bring about as an inevitable consequence.

   Blasphemy is taboo as it may invoke divine wrath.

6. 6
   verb

   To cause (a program or subroutine) to execute.

   Interactive programs let the users enter choices and invoke the corresponding routines.

7. 7
   verb

   request earnestly (something from somebody)

8. 8
   verb

   cite as an authority

Etymology

From Middle English *invoken, envoken, borrowed from Old French envoquer, from Latin invocāre (“to call upon”), itself from in- + vocare (“to call”). Doublet of invocate.