Invoquer (en. Invoke)

/ɛ̃.vɔ.ke/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To call for help through prayers or incantations.
He invoked the spirits to seek guidance.
Il a invoqué les esprits pour obtenir des conseils.
To mention a source or authority to strengthen an argument.
She invoked the rules of the contract to justify her decision.
Elle a invoqué les règles du contrat pour justifier sa décision.
To invoke a right or law to justify one's actions.
He invoked his right to a fair trial.
Il a invoqué son droit à un procès équitable.

Etymology

From Latin 'invocare' which means 'to call' or 'to invite'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

invoke the spirit
To call upon a spirit to obtain answers.
invoquer l'esprit
invoke the law
To refer to a law to justify an action.
invoquer la loi
invoke an authority
To call for the recognition of an authority to legitimize a claim.
invoquer une autorité

Related Words

invocation
The act of invoking, often for ritual purposes.
invocation
invoker
One who invokes, particularly in a spiritual context.
invocateur

Slang Meanings

To invoke something casually.
He invoked the right to sleep in when he still slept until 10 o'clock.
Il a invoqué le droit à la grasse matinée quand il a encore dormi jusqu'à 10 heures.
To call upon something in an exaggerated manner.
She invoked heaven to justify her lateness for every meeting.
Elle a invoqué le ciel pour justifier son retard à chaque réunion.