subpoena
3 synonyms for subpoena, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence, under threat of punishment for ignoring it.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
subpoena ad testificandum
How to use subpoena
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
issue a subpoena
subpoena a witness
served with a subpoena
Etymology
From Latin sub poena, "under penalty" — the opening words of the original writ, from sub ("under") plus poena ("penalty").
Full origin of subpoena →Frequently asked questions
What does “subpoena” mean?
The word “subpoena” means a legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence, under threat of punishment for ignoring it. In plain terms, an official legal demand to show up in court or hand over evidence — or the act of issuing that demand.
How do you pronounce “subpoena”?
“Subpoena” is pronounced suh-PEE-nuh (/səˈpi.nə/ in IPA).
How do you use “subpoena” in a sentence?
Here is “subpoena” used in a sentence: “The witness received a subpoena to testify at the trial.”
What part of speech is “subpoena”?
Depending on how it is used, “subpoena” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “subpoena” come from?
The word “subpoena” comes from Latin. From Latin sub poena, "under penalty" — the opening words of the original writ, from sub ("under") plus poena ("penalty").
Is “subpoena” a common word?
“Subpoena” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “subpoena” have?
“Subpoena” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence, under threat of punishment for ignoring it.
Related words
contempt of court
