verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

invoke

ihn-VOHK

Invoke (verb) means to call on something, such as a rule, law, or higher power, for support or justification. Example: “The lawyer invoked a little-known clause to defend her client.”

verb

To call on something, such as a rule, law, or higher power, for support or justification.

"The lawyer invoked a little-known clause to defend her client."

"She invoked her right to remain silent."

Computing: to cause a program, function, or command to run.

"The script invokes a separate function to process each file."

How to Use Invoke

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo call on something — a rule, a power, or a piece of code — to back you up or make something happen.

Common pairings

invoke a rule invoke a spirit invoke a function

Word Forms

invoked past tense, invokes singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The lawyer _____ a little-known clause to defend her client.

Etymology

From Latin invocare, "to call upon" (in- + vocare, "to call").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for invoke

woke coke poke joke toke yoke hoke broke spoke smoke bloke stoke

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “invoke” mean?

The word “invoke” means to call on something, such as a rule, law, or higher power, for support or justification. In plain terms, to call on something — a rule, a power, or a piece of code — to back you up or make something happen.

How do you pronounce “invoke”?

“Invoke” is pronounced ihn-VOHK (/ɪnˈvoʊk/ in IPA).

How do you use “invoke” in a sentence?

Here is “invoke” used in a sentence: “The lawyer invoked a little-known clause to defend her client.”

What part of speech is “invoke”?

“Invoke” is a verb.

Where does the word “invoke” come from?

The word “invoke” comes from Latin. From Latin invocare, "to call upon" (in- + vocare, "to call").

Is “invoke” a common word?

“Invoke” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “invoke” have?

“Invoke” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to call on something, such as a rule, law, or higher power, for support or justification.