invoke

verb transitive formal

US /ɪnˈvoʊk/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	invoke
he/she/it	invokes
present participle	invoking
past tense	invoked
past participle	invoked

1
to use a law or rule in order to achieve something
The president invoked the Taft-Hartley law to force the strikers to return to work.
In extreme situations, the police chief may invoke emergency powers.
Synonyms and related words
Creating, amending and abolishing laws
abolish
abrogate
amend
1. 1a
  to mention a law, principle, or idea in order to support an argument or to explain an action
  They invoked principles of international law to claim ownership of the sunken ship.
  Synonyms and related words
  To mention something, or to be mentioned
  mention
  refer to
  invoke
2. 1b
  to mention the name of someone who is well known or well respected in order to support an argument
  Jiang invoked Deng’s name 58 times in his two-and-a-half-hour speech.
  Synonyms and related words
  To mention something, or to be mentioned
  mention
  refer to
  invoke
2
to make someone feel a particular emotion or see a particular image in their minds
Popular art invoked the image of a happy and contented family.
The situation was invoking fears of another Vietnam-type entanglement.
Synonyms and related words
To make someone feel a particular emotion or strong emotions
affect
provoke
inspire
3
to ask for help from someone who is stronger or more powerful, especially a god
prayers invoking divine protection
Synonyms and related words
To ask someone for help
turn to
run to
beg
Synonyms and related words
Religious ceremonies and practices
anoint
bless
blessing
4
to make the spirits of dead people appear by using magic powers
Synonyms and related words
To use, or to be affected by magical or supernatural powers
bewitch
call up
cast a spell on/over someone