# conjure

/ˈkɑndʒɝ/ (US) · /kˈʌndʒɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conjure
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to evoke a memory or image

verb · CEFR B2

to bring a thought, memory, or picture into your mind.

For teachers: to evoke or call forth a mental image, memory, or idea in the mind of oneself or others.

- The smell of fresh bread helped conjure memories of his childhood home.
- The novelist's vivid descriptions were designed to conjure a sense of dread in the reader from the very first page.

Usage: Often used with 'up' (conjure up).

### 2. to create from nothing

verb · CEFR B2

to produce or create something quickly or unexpectedly, as if by magic.

For teachers: to produce, create, or bring into existence as if by magic or through cleverness.

- She managed to conjure a delicious meal from just a few leftovers.
- The marketing team had to conjure a new strategy overnight after the initial campaign was rejected by the board.

Usage: Frequently used with 'up' (conjure up).

### 3. to summon a spirit

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to use magic to make a spirit or ghost appear.

For teachers: to summon or call forth a spirit, demon, or supernatural entity through ritual or incantation.

- In the story, the old wizard tried to conjure a spirit to help him.
- The protagonist mistakenly believed he could conjure the ancient entity without suffering any personal consequences.

### 4. to perform magic tricks

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to perform clever tricks that look like magic to entertain people.

For teachers: to perform sleight of hand or manual magic tricks for entertainment.

- The street performer began to conjure with coins, making them disappear into thin air.
- The historian noted that the ability to conjure was once viewed with suspicion rather than as mere entertainment.

### 5. to beg or appeal to

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

to ask someone very seriously or formally to do something.

For teachers: to appeal to or beseech someone earnestly or solemnly.

- I conjure you to tell the truth for the sake of your family.
- The prisoner did conjure the king to show mercy, though his pleas ultimately fell on deaf ears.

Usage: Takes a direct object followed by an infinitive phrase.

## Examples

- The magician seemed to conjure a bird from thin air.
- The smell of fresh bread can conjure up vivid memories of my childhood home.
- The novelist's prose is so descriptive that it can conjure an entire historical era with just a few carefully chosen details about the local architecture and dress.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.