Enjoined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enjoined

[ɪnˈdʒɔɪnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To enjoin means to direct or order someone to do something, often through a legal order or injunction. It is commonly used in court cases where a party is prevented from doing a certain action.

Synonyms

direct, forbid, prohibit.

Examples of usage

  • The court enjoined the company from using hazardous materials.
  • They were enjoined to cease operations until further notice.
  • The judge enjoined the protesters from blocking the entrance.
Context #2 | Verb

general use

Enjoin can also mean to urge or encourage someone to do something. This usage emphasizes a strong recommendation or exhortation.

Synonyms

encourage, exhort, urge.

Examples of usage

  • He enjoined his friends to stay safe during the storm.
  • She enjoined them to consider the consequences of their actions.
  • The teacher enjoined her students to study diligently.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Terminology

  • In legal contexts, being 'enjoined' often refers to a court order forcing someone to do or cease doing something.
  • This concept is central to injunctions, where one party requests the court to mandate an action from another.
  • Enjoining parties is crucial in lawsuits, ensuring compliance and protection of rights.

Literature

  • The term appears in classic literature, illustrating the command or direction given to characters, often highlighting authority.
  • Shakespeare uses this word to demonstrate the powerful influence of words and commands in plays like "Hamlet".
  • In modern writing, it often conveys a sense of urgency or imperative, echoing deeper themes of duty.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions often explore the moral implications of enjoining others, such as the ethical responsibility to direct action.
  • The idea touches on concepts like free will, where one’s authority to enjoin can conflict with personal freedom.
  • Many thinkers have debated the importance of authority in both social and personal contexts, showing its complex nature.

Psychology

  • The act of enjoining can have psychological effects, as being ordered can lead to feelings of obligation or resistance.
  • Studies show that people often react to enjoinment with increased motivation or stress, depending on their relationship with the authority figure.
  • Social conformity theories suggest that enjoining can influence group behavior, shaping individuals' actions to align with collective expectations.

Origin of 'enjoined'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'injungere', meaning 'to join or attach'.
  • In Middle English, it appeared as 'enjoigne', reflecting its influence from Old French.
  • Over time, it has evolved to mean not just joining but doing so with authority.

The word 'enjoin' comes from the Latin 'injungere', which means 'to join together' or 'to impose'. This Latin term combines 'in-', meaning 'upon', with 'jungere', meaning 'to join'. The word evolved through Middle English as 'enjoinen', which retained much of the original meaning related to joining, binding, or imposing an obligation. Over the centuries, its meaning in English has shifted significantly towards the context of legal orders and commands, used predominantly in situations involving authority, such as court rulings. Enjoin, while maintain its roots in joining actions, has become more associated with prohibitions or mandates issued by a legal system. This evolution reflects societal changes in the understanding of authority, obligation, and the power of the law.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,652, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.