Summon
/ˈsʌmən/
Meaning & Definition
verb
to call upon to appear, often in a formal or official capacity.
The manager decided to summon the team for an urgent meeting.
to bring forth or to call into action.
She could not summon the courage to speak in front of the crowd.
to request the presence of someone formally.
The court summoned the defendant to appear for the hearing.
to invoke or bring about, typically through one's will or power.
The magician attempted to summon a spirit from the other world.
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin 'summonere', meaning ‘to call up, call forth’.
Common Phrases and Expressions
summon the courage
To find the resolve to do something difficult.
summon up
To bring forth a feeling or skill.
summon to appear
A legal requirement to appear in court.
Related Words
summons
A document that orders someone to appear in court.
summoning
The act of calling someone or something to appear.
Slang Meanings
To call someone over casually.
Hey, can you summon your friend to join us?
To bring up a topic or memory in conversation.
She summoned the past as we talked about our high school days.