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Enjoin: meaning, definitions and examples

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enjoin

 

[ɪnˈdʒɔɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

Instruct or urge (someone) to do something.

Synonyms

command, direct, order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • The court enjoined the company from disclosing confidential information.
  • They were enjoined to maintain silence during the ceremony.
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.

  • The judge ordered the defendant to pay a fine.
  • She ordered her children to clean their rooms.
command

Often used in military settings or situations requiring authority. It implies an authoritative order that must be followed.

  • The captain commanded the troops to advance.
  • She commanded him to stay back and wait.
direct

Used in professional or instructional settings where guidance or supervision is required. It is more neutral compared to 'command'.

  • The manager directed the team to complete the project by Friday.
  • He directed us to the main office.

Examples of usage

  • The judge enjoined the company to pay compensation to the victims.
  • The court enjoined the defendant from contacting the plaintiff.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

Prohibit or forbid (someone) from doing something.

Synonyms

ban, forbid, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The court enjoined the company from proceeding with its merger.
  • He was enjoined by his doctor to take his medication regularly.
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.

  • He forbade his children from going out after dark.
  • The rules forbid employees from using company computers for personal use.
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.

  • The government decided to ban smoking in public places.
  • They banned mobile phones in the classroom.
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.

  • The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors.
  • Company policy prohibits the use of personal email accounts for business purposes.

Examples of usage

  • The law enjoins smoking in public places.
  • The contract enjoins the employee from disclosing confidential information.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "enjoin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ordenar

🇮🇳 आदेश देना

🇩🇪 befehlen

🇮🇩 memerintahkan

🇺🇦 наказувати

🇵🇱 nakazać

🇯🇵 命じる (meijiru)

🇫🇷 ordonner

🇪🇸 ordenar

🇹🇷 emretmek

🇰🇷 명령하다 (myeonglyeonghada)

🇸🇦 يأمر (ya'mur)

🇨🇿 nařídit

🇸🇰 nariadiť

🇨🇳 命令 (mìnglìng)

🇸🇮 naročiti

🇮🇸 fyrirmæla

🇰🇿 бұйыру

🇬🇪 ბრძანება (brdzaneba)

🇦🇿 əmr etmək

🇲🇽 ordenar

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.