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Translate files Summons
/ˈsʌmənz/
Meaning & Definition
noun
An official order to appear in a court of law.
She received a summons to testify in the court case.
A call or request to perform a specific task or duty.
The summons for volunteers went out to the entire community.
verb
To urgently call upon someone to be present.
The manager summoned the entire team for an emergency meeting.
To bring a person before a court by a summons.
He was summoned by the court to appear as a witness.
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French 'somonse', from the verb 'somons' meaning to summon.
Common Phrases and Expressions
show cause summons:
A court order requiring a person to explain why a certain course of action should not be taken.
summons for a witness:
A request for a witness to appear and provide testimony in a legal case.
issue a summons:
To formally draft and send a summons to an individual.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
A call to action or duty, often used informally.
He got a summons to step up his game in the team.
A quick reminder or notification, often used in a fun context.
I sent out a summons for the gang to meet at the park.