invoke meaning and definition

INVOKE verb

Definition of invoke (verb)

1. summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
   • "raise the specter of unemployment"; "he conjured wild birds in the air"; "call down the spirits from the mountain"
   • synonyms: arouse, bring up, call down, call forth, conjure, conjure up, evoke, put forward, raise, stir
2. cite as an authority; resort to
   • "He invoked the law that would save him"; "I appealed to the law of 1900"; "She invoked an ancient law"
   • synonyms: appeal
3. request earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection
   • "appeal to somebody for help"; "Invoke God in times of trouble"
   • synonyms: appeal