Meaning & Definition of word "Summon"

Summon

/ˈsʌmən/

verb:

  • 1. to call upon to appear, often in a formal or official capacity.
    • Example: The manager decided to summon the team for an urgent meeting.
  • 2. to bring forth or to call into action.
    • Example: She could not summon the courage to speak in front of the crowd.
  • 3. to request the presence of someone formally.
    • Example: The court summoned the defendant to appear for the hearing.
  • 4. to invoke or bring about, typically through one's will or power.
    • Example: 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 of summon

Meaning: To call someone over casually.

Example Sentence: Hey, can you summon your friend to join us?

Meaning: To bring up a topic or memory in conversation.

Example Sentence: She summoned the past as we talked about our high school days.