verb
invoke
ihn-VOHK
verb
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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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The lawyer _____ a little-known clause to defend her client.
Etymology
From Latin invocare, "to call upon" (in- + vocare, "to call").