Meaning & use
invoke
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To call on a law, rule, right or principle as the reason for something you are doing.
Grammar: Takes an object: invoke the rule.
Patterns
- invoke something
- invoke something as a reason
The company invoked a clause in the contract to cancel the deal.
He invoked his right to remain silent.
Leaders often invoke national security to justify new rules.
verbtransitive
To bring a thought, image or feeling into someone's mind.
Grammar: Takes an object, often something abstract: invoke memories.
Patterns
- invoke something in someone
The smell of pine invoked memories of childhood winters.
The speech invoked images of a simpler time.
The old photographs invoked a deep sense of loss.
verbtransitivereligion
To ask a god, spirit or higher power for help or protection.
Grammar: Takes an object: invoke a deity.
Patterns
- invoke someone
The priest invoked the saint's protection over the village.
In the ancient poem, the writer invokes a muse to guide him.
verbtransitivecomputing
To make a program, function or command start running.
Grammar: Takes an object: the script invokes a function.
Patterns
- invoke a function
- invoke a command
The script invokes the backup tool every night.
Typing the command in the terminal invokes the installer.
Word forms
| third person singular | invokes |
|---|---|
| past tense | invoked |
| past participle | invoked |
| -ing form | invoking |
Common combinations
- invoke a law
- The town invoked an old law to block the sale.
- invoke the name of
- She invoked the name of her grandmother to calm the crowd.
- invoke a clause
- The tenant invoked a clause allowing early exit.
- invoke a function
- The program invokes a function each time the button is pressed.
- invoke memories
- The song invoked memories of her first trip abroad.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cite
- Cite means to mention something as evidence, while invoke means to use it as authority for acting.
- evoke
- Evoke fits feelings and memories only, whereas invoke also covers laws, spirits and commands.
- summon
- Summon implies calling someone or something to appear, with more force than invoking help.
- call on
- Call on is informal and general, while invoke sounds official or ceremonial.
Opposites
Word family
- invocation noun
- a call for help, or the act of invoking something
- invocatory adjective
- relating to an invocation (rare)
- invoker noun
- someone who invokes
Commonly confused: invoke or evoke? invoke or revoke?
invoke vs evoke
Evoke means to bring a feeling or memory to mind; invoke can do that too but also means to appeal to a law or power.
invoke vs revoke
Revoke means to cancel something such as a license; it is not the same as calling on it.
Practice
The defendant ___ his constitutional right to a lawyer before answering any questions.
Choose one answer.
Invoked means appealed to a right as grounds for acting. Revoked would mean canceled, and evoked is only for feelings or memories.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “invoke”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.