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
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
For many, Rubio’s invocation of the Communist Party triggered dark recollections of past anti-Chinese policy, including 1882’s Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned immigration from China.
—
Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
An invocation is delivered at center court just prior to the national anthem as part of the Oklahoma City pre-game festivities.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 May 2025
The policy notes that invocations should be solemn, inclusive and should avoid disparaging different religious or non-religious beliefs.
—Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
On May 6, a federal judge in New York blocked Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that the Trump administration had not shown evidence of a foreign invasion to justify using it for deportations.
—Time, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for invocation
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Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
An invocation is delivered at center court just prior to the national anthem as part of the Oklahoma City pre-game festivities.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 May 2025
The policy notes that invocations should be solemn, inclusive and should avoid disparaging different religious or non-religious beliefs.
—Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
On May 6, a federal judge in New York blocked Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that the Trump administration had not shown evidence of a foreign invasion to justify using it for deportations.
—Time, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for invocation
Cite this Entry
“Invocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invocation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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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