Enjoin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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enjoin
[ɪnˈdʒɔɪn ]
Definitions
legal
Instruct or urge (someone) to do something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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enjoin |
Used in formal or legal settings, often referring to an authoritative or urgent instruction or prohibition. This word is commonly used in legal documents or formal instructions.
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order |
Can be used in various settings, from formal to everyday life, to indicate a request or demand that must be followed. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if applied forcefully.
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command |
Often used in military settings or situations requiring authority. It implies an authoritative order that must be followed.
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direct |
Used in professional or instructional settings where guidance or supervision is required. It is more neutral compared to 'command'.
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Examples of usage
- The judge enjoined the company to pay compensation to the victims.
- The court enjoined the defendant from contacting the plaintiff.
formal
Prohibit or forbid (someone) from doing something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
enjoin |
This word is best used in formal or legal contexts. It typically means to command or instruct someone to do something, often through an authoritative directive or court order.
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forbid |
Often used to express strong disapproval or prohibition. It is suitable in both formal and informal settings but tends to carry a personal or authoritative tone.
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ban |
This word is commonly used in everyday language to refer to an official prohibition on something. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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prohibit |
This word is ideal for formal contexts, such as legal or official regulations. It also conveys an authoritative command and is often used in a legal sense.
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Examples of usage
- The law enjoins smoking in public places.
- The contract enjoins the employee from disclosing confidential information.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, to enjoin often refers to a court order that tells someone to stop doing something, known as a injunction.
- Courts use injunctions to prevent harm or maintain the status quo until a case is decided.
Literature
- Writers may use 'enjoin' to convey authority or moral obligation in characters, making it a powerful word in narratives.
- It is often found in classic literature, especially in works with formal or ceremonial tones, reflecting societal norms of the time.
Psychology
- When someone is enjoined to perform an action, it can impact their sense of free will and agency, raising ethical discussions about obedience.
- Enjoining behaviors can be effective in behavior modification strategies in psychology, encouraging individuals to commit to positive change.
Cultural References
- The concept of enjoining actions can be seen in community practices where leaders encourage or prescribe certain behaviors to uphold traditions.
- In different cultures, authorities 'enjoin' certain moral and ethical obligations, shaping societal norms and expectations.
Origin of 'enjoin'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'injungere,' meaning 'to join together' or 'to impose.'
- It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially used in legal contexts to denote official commands.
The word 'enjoin' has its origins in Middle English, from the Old French word 'enjoindre', which is derived from the Latin word 'injungere', meaning 'to join in'. The legal sense of the word emerged in the late 16th century, referring to a court order or injunction. Over time, 'enjoin' has come to be used in various legal and formal contexts to instruct, urge, prohibit, or forbid.
See also: adjoin, conjoin, join, joinable, joined, joiner, joinery, joining, rejoin, rejoinder, rejoining.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #12,495, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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