# invocation

/ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɪnvəʊkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/invocation
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of calling on someone or something for help, or the use of a specific word or phrase to start a computer program.

For teachers: the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or person for aid; also refers to the act of initiating a program or function using a specific command or identifier.

## Examples

- The programmer used a specific invocation to start the software.
- The lawyer made a formal invocation of the law to challenge the validity of the contract.
- In many ancient cultures, the invocation of a deity was a necessary ritual to ensure the success of a harvest or the protection of a community.

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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.