/ ɪnˈvəʊk; NAmE ɪnˈvoʊk/ verb [ vn ]
1.
invoke sth (against sb) to mention or use a law, rule, etc. as a reason for doing sth :
It is unlikely that libel laws will be invoked.
2.
to mention a person, a theory, an example, etc. to support your opinions or ideas, or as a reason for sth :
She invoked several eminent scholars to back up her argument.
3.
to mention sb's name to make people feel a particular thing or act in a particular way :
His name was invoked as a symbol of the revolution.
4.
to make a request (for help) to sb, especially a god
5.
to make sb have a particular feeling or imagine a particular scene
SYN evoke :
The opening paragraph invokes a vision of England in the early Middle Ages.
HELP NOTE : Some people think this use is not correct.
6.
( computing ) to begin to run a program, etc. :
This command will invoke the HELP system.
7.
to make evil appear by using magic
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from French invoquer , from Latin invocare , from in- upon + vocare to call.