verb (used with object), in·voked, in·vok·ing.
- to call for with earnest desire; make supplication or pray for: to invoke God’s mercy.
- to call on (a deity, Muse, etc.), as in prayer or supplication.
- to declare to be binding or in effect: to invoke the law; to invoke a veto.
- to appeal to, as for confirmation.
- to petition or call on for help or aid.
- to call forth or upon (a spirit) by incantation.
- to cause, call forth, or bring about.
verb (tr)
- to call upon (an agent, esp God or another deity) for help, inspiration, etc
- to put (a law, penalty, etc) into usethe union invoked the dispute procedure
- to appeal to (an outside agent or authority) for confirmation, corroboration, etc
- to implore or beg (help, etc)
- to summon (a spirit, demon, etc); conjure up
late 15c., from Middle French envoquer (12c.), from Latin invocare “call upon, implore,” from in- “upon” (see in- (2)) + vocare “to call,” related to vox (genitive vocis) “voice” (see voice (n.)). Related: Invoked; invoking.