invocation
noun
in·vo·ca·tion
ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən 
1
a
: the act or process of petitioning for help or support
specifically, often capitalized
: a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship)
b
: a calling upon for authority or justification
2
: a formula for conjuring : incantation
3
: an act of legal or moral implementation : enforcement
Synonyms
Examples of invocation in a Sentence
his repeated invocations of the ancient philosophers
justifying his position by invocation of the past
The poem begins with an invocation of the Muses.
They began the meeting with an invocation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Barring a surprise invocation of the War Powers Act, Trump probably won’t court the logistical hassles of trying to kneecap his broadcast bête noires.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2024
In the Elizabethan period, when a poet’s relationship with the muses was perceived as directly proportionate to their success in romance, loving attention was paid to their invocation in rhythm and rhyme.
—Alison Habens, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2024
There is a frequent invocation of the Jews by right-wing Asian commentators, with conservatives from both groups bewildered by the liberal tendencies of their demographic as a whole.
—Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
Detroit Pastor Lorenzo Sewell led a booming invocation that brought attendees to their feet to put their hands in the air in prayer.
—Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for invocation 
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Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2024
In the Elizabethan period, when a poet’s relationship with the muses was perceived as directly proportionate to their success in romance, loving attention was paid to their invocation in rhythm and rhyme.
—Alison Habens, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2024
There is a frequent invocation of the Jews by right-wing Asian commentators, with conservatives from both groups bewildered by the liberal tendencies of their demographic as a whole.
—Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
Detroit Pastor Lorenzo Sewell led a booming invocation that brought attendees to their feet to put their hands in the air in prayer.
—Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for invocation
Dictionary Entries Near invocation
Cite this Entry
“Invocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invocation. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
invocation
noun
in·vo·ca·tion
ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of asking for help or support
b
: a prayer for blessing or guidance (as at the beginning of a religious service)
2
: a formula for calling forth spirits or performing magic : incantation
Legal Definition
invocation
noun
in·vo·ca·tion
ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən
1
: a calling upon for authority or justification
2
: an act of legal implementation
an invocation of the contract clause
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