Simple Definition of invocation
: the act of mentioning or referring to someone or something in support of your ideas : the act of invoking something
: the act of asking for help or support especially from a god
: a prayer for blessing or guidance at the beginning of a service, ceremony, etc.
Full Definition of invocation
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
invocatoryplay \in-ˈvä-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
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.
Origin and Etymology of invocation
Middle English invocacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French invocation, from Latin invocation-, invocatio, from invocare
First Known Use: 14th century
Legal Definition of invocation
1 : a calling upon for authority or justification
2 : an act of legal implementation <an invocation of the contract clause>