Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition invoke in American English

invoke verb

[transitive] verb
/ɪnˈvoʊk/
1

to use a law or rule in order to achieve something

Example

The president invoked the Taft-Hartley law to force the strikers to return to work.

Example

In extreme situations, the police chief may invoke emergency powers.

Synonyms and related words
abolish abrogate amend
1.1

to mention a law, principle, or idea in order to support an argument or to explain an action

Example

They invoked principles of international law to claim ownership of the sunken ship.

Synonyms and related words
mention refer to invoke
1.2

to mention the name of someone who is well known or well respected in order to support an argument

Example

Jiang invoked Deng's name 58 times in his two-and-a-half-hour speech.

Synonyms and related words
mention refer to invoke
2

to make someone feel a particular emotion or see a particular image in their minds

Example

Popular art invoked the image of a happy and contented family.

Example

The situation was invoking fears of another Vietnam-type entanglement.

Synonyms and related words
affect provoke inspire
3

to ask for help from someone who is stronger or more powerful, especially a god

Example

prayers invoking divine protection

Synonyms and related words
turn to run to beg anoint bless blessing
Synonyms and related words
bewitch call up cast a spell on/over someone
Definition invoke in American English