What does invoked mean?
Invoked is the past tense and past participle of invoke, a formal verb meaning to call on someone or something, especially a person, deity, spirit, or other source of assistance. It also means to appeal to a rule, authority, precedent, or principle, as when a lawyer invokes a legal defence or a politician invokes public safety. In legal and parliamentary contexts, it can mean to use a formal power, such as invoking a veto. The word is common in religion, law, politics, and formal argument, where it conveys seriousness and authority. Although it can describe a simple request for help, it is more authoritative and elevated than wording such as “called for” or “asked someone to help.” In its past participle form, it may also modify another word: “an invoked clause” or “a ritual invoking protection.”
verbInvoked is the past tense and past participle of invoke. It means to call on a person, spirit, or power for help or support, or to appeal to an authority, rule, or example in support of an argument or request.
- Called upon a person, deity, spirit, or power for help or support.
- Appealed to an authority, rule, precedent, or principle in support of an argument or request.
- Brought a legal veto or other procedural action into effect.
- Cited or referred to a person, work, or idea in discussion or criticism.
"The senator invoked the right to privacy in response to the inquiry."
"The ceremony invoked the blessings of the ancestors."
"The company invoked force majeure after the supplier failed to deliver."
In law, invoking a veto can stop a decision dead; in religion, invoking a spirit means calling upon a power believed to be present.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invoked come from?
Invoke comes from Latin invocare, formed from in- (“in, upon”) and vocare (“to call”), literally meaning “to call upon.” Latin invocare developed into English through Old French and Middle English usage. Its relatives evoke, provoke, and revoke also come from the Latin root vocare, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
Related word forms
How invoked is actually used
The form is formal and especially common in legal, political, religious, and formal argumentative contexts. It can sound deliberately elevated when used in ordinary conversation.
Easily confused with invoked
Invoking often means appealing to a power, authority, or principle, whereas inviting generally means asking someone to attend, participate, or share an activity.