What does invocation mean?
An invocation is a formal calling upon or summoning of something powerful or important. In religious usage, it may mean a prayer addressed to God, a deity, or a spirit, as well as the words or ritual used for that purpose. More broadly, it means appealing to an authority, principle, or power, as in an invocation of the principles of justice. In computing, invocation refers to initiating the execution of a program or function. The word is more formal than “call” and often suggests a deliberate, ceremonious, or technically defined act. Its historical connection with Latin invocare, meaning “to call in,” explains its association with summoning and calling forth.
nounThe act of invoking someone or something, especially a deity or spirit, or the act of summoning or calling upon a person, power, or authority. In computing, it refers to the act of initiating the execution of a program or function.
- The act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or sacred power, especially in prayer or ritual.
- The act of summoning or appealing to a person, authority, power, or principle.
- A set of words or formulas used to summon a deity or spirit.
- The initiation of a program, function, or other operation in computing.
"The ceremony began with an invocation for guidance and protection."
"The priest's invocation called for calm during the storm."
"The court's decision was an invocation of the constitutional protections at issue."
Usually countable when referring to distinct acts of calling upon or summoning.
"The text contains several invocations of divine protection."
From Latin invocare, “to call in,” invocation turned calling into ceremony: one formula could summon a deity, a spirit, or, centuries later, a software function.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invocation come from?
The word comes through Latin invocare, from in- meaning “into” or “upon” and vocare meaning “to call.” It developed in English in the sense of calling upon a deity or spirit, especially in prayer, before extending to appeals to a person, authority, or principle. The same Latin root is reflected in cognates such as evoke, provoke, vocation, and advocate, all of which involve calling or making something manifest.
Related word forms
How invocation is actually used
In religious and ceremonial contexts, “invocation” is formal and often refers to prayer or a ritual appeal. In computing, it is technical and commonly occurs in phrases such as “function invocation” and “command invocation.”
Easily confused with invocation
An invocation is a formal calling upon or summoning of a person, power, or deity, whereas an invitation is a request to attend or participate.