invoke

The definition of invoke is to call on someone or something to help or inspire you.

(verb)

An example of invoke is trying to contact someone who died.

To invoke is defined as to emotionally ask for something.

(verb)

An example of to invoke is a charity group asking for money.

Invoke means to put something to use.

(verb)

An example of to invoke is to use city code to argue a disagreement with a policeman.

See invoke in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb invoked, invoking

to call on (God, a god, a saint, the Muses, etc.) for blessing, help, inspiration, support, etc.
to resort to or put into use (a law, ruling, penalty, etc.) as pertinent: to invoke an article of the U.N. Charter
to call forth; cause
to summon (evil spirits) by incantation; conjure
to ask solemnly for; beg for; implore: to invoke aid

Origin: ME invoken < MFr invoquer < L invocare < in-, in, on + vocare, to call < vox, voice

Related Forms:

See invoke in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb in·voked, in·vok·ing, in·vokes

To call on (a higher power) for assistance, support, or inspiration: “Stretching out her hands she had the air of a Greek woman who invoked a deity” (Ford Madox Ford).
To appeal to or cite in support or justification.
To call for earnestly; solicit: invoked the help of a passing motorist.
To summon with incantations; conjure.
To resort to; use or apply: “Shamelessly, he invokes coincidence to achieve ironic effect” (Newsweek).
Computer Science To activate or start (a program, for example).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English envoken

Origin: , from Old French invoquer

Origin: , from Latin invocāre

Origin: : in-, in; see in-²

Origin: + vocāre, to call; see wek^w- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: