conjure
conjure Lexical Profile
conjure Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To bring a thought, memory, or image to mind, often followed by 'up'.
"The aroma of baking bread always conjures fond memories of her grandmother's kitchen."
To make something appear unexpectedly or as if by magic, or to summon a spirit by supernatural invocation.
"With very few ingredients left in the pantry, the chef managed to conjure a delicious three-course meal."
To perform sleight-of-hand tricks or illusions for entertainment.
"The street performer learned to conjure with coins and silk handkerchiefs as a teenager."
To implore, beseech, or appeal to someone solemnly or earnestly (formal or archaic).
"I conjure you by your honor to reveal the truth of what happened that evening."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a heteronym, 'conjure' is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈkʌndʒər/) when referring to magic or evoking mental images, and on the second syllable (/kənˈdʒʊər/) in the formal, archaic sense of imploring someone solemnly.
• Rhymes for conjure
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'conjurien', borrowed from Old French 'conjurer', from Latin 'coniurare' meaning 'to swear together' or 'conspire' (from 'com-' meaning 'together' + 'iurare' meaning 'to swear'). The magical sense developed from the medieval practice of invoking spirits by swearing solemn oaths or pronouncing sacred names.