invoke
invoke Lexical Profile
invoke Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cite or appeal to someone or something as an authority for an action or in support of an argument.
"The defense attorney decided to invoke a constitutional amendment to protect her client's rights."
To cause a computer procedure, function, or program to be carried out.
"When a user clicks the submit button, the script will invoke the validation subroutine."
To call on a deity or spirit in prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration.
"Ancient poets would traditionally invoke the Muses at the beginning of an epic poem."
To give rise to or evoke a particular reaction, feeling, or state.
"The sudden policy shift threatened to invoke widespread confusion among the staff."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with 'evoke'; 'invoke' means to call upon an authority, law, or deity for help or support, whereas 'evoke' means to bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind.
• Rhymes for invoke
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French invoquer, from Latin invocāre ('to call upon, implore'), formed from in- ('upon') and vocāre ('to call'), from vōx ('voice').