Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Summon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔮
Add to dictionary

summon

[ˈsʌmən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

magic

To call upon a supernatural force or entity by incantation or ritual.

Synonyms

call forth, conjure, invoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
summon

Typically used in formal or official settings when you need to call someone to appear or come to a particular place.

  • The king summoned his advisors for an urgent meeting.
  • She was summoned to court to testify as a witness.
invoke

Commonly used in formal, legal, or ritualistic contexts when calling upon a higher power, authority, or a specific rule to support or justify an action.

  • The priest invoked the blessing of the gods.
  • The lawyer invoked the right to remain silent.
conjure

Primarily used in magical contexts or when talking about summoning something using mysterious or supernatural means. Can sometimes have a playful or imaginative tone.

  • The magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat.
  • They tried to conjure an image of the perfect holiday in their minds.
call forth

Often used in literary or spiritual contexts when bringing about something hidden, latent, or not immediately present.

  • The inspiring speech called forth a sense of patriotism in the crowd.
  • The powerful rituals called forth the spirits from another realm.

Examples of usage

  • The witch summoned a powerful demon to do her bidding.
  • The wizard summoned a gust of wind to push back the enemy forces.
Context #2 | Verb

legal

To order someone to appear in a court of law or to attend a meeting.

Synonyms

call, demand, mandate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
summon

Generally used in formal or legal contexts when someone is officially asked to appear, often in court or in front of an authority. It can also mean calling on higher powers or spirits in a more mystical context.

  • The witness was summoned to testify in court.
  • The manager summoned all employees to an urgent meeting.
  • He tried to summon the courage to apologize.
call

Used in everyday situations to refer to making a phone call, asking someone to come, or addressing them aloud. It's a versatile term that applies to various informal and formal scenarios.

  • I need to call my friend to check in on them.
  • The teacher called on the student to answer the question.
  • They called an emergency meeting this morning.
mandate

Primarily used in an official, regulatory, or authoritative context to describe a formal order or command. It often involves policies, laws, or governmental instructions.

  • The new regulations mandate that all employees must wear safety gear.
  • The board mandated a review of the company's financial practices.
  • The health department mandated vaccinations for school children.
demand

Often has a strong or authoritative tone, implying a non-negotiable request or requirement. It carries a somewhat negative or urgent connotation, typically used in serious circumstances.

  • The workers demanded better working conditions.
  • The situation demanded immediate attention and action.
  • The customer demanded a refund due to the faulty product.

Examples of usage

  • The judge summoned the witness to testify in the trial.
  • The manager summoned the employee to discuss the issue.
Context #3 | Noun

fantasy

A magical being or creature that is called upon or controlled by a spell or ritual.

Synonyms

being, creature, spirit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
summon

This word is used when calling upon someone or something to appear, often in a formal or serious context.

  • The wizard decided to summon a dragon to protect the castle.
  • She summoned her courage and knocked on the door.
spirit

This word is often used in supernatural or religious contexts to describe a non-physical entity, like a ghost or a supernatural being.

  • They believed the house was haunted by an evil spirit.
  • In many cultures, people honor the spirits of their ancestors.
creature

Use this word to refer to a living thing, often animals or imaginary beings, and sometimes it can have a slightly negative or less respectful connotation.

  • The forest was full of strange creatures.
  • They discovered an unknown creature in the depths of the ocean.
being

This word is often used in a general or philosophical manner to describe an entity that exists, particularly in a broad or abstract sense.

  • Every being deserves respect and kindness.
  • The nature of their being was a subject of much philosophical debate.

Examples of usage

  • The wizard's summon appeared in a flash of light, ready to do his bidding.
  • The summon of the forest emerged from the shadows, a guardian of the ancient trees.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Contexts

  • In law, to 'summon' means to officially call someone to attend court, which is a serious matter.
  • Summons can be issued for minor civil matters or serious criminal cases, highlighting the word's importance in justice.
  • Failing to respond to a summons can lead to additional legal consequences, signifying its power.

Pop Culture

  • In fantasy literature, wizards often summon creatures like dragons or spirits, showcasing magical control.
  • Video games frequently use the term, where players can summon allies or powerful entities during battles.
  • In movies, characters might summon help in times of danger, illustrating the word's dramatic effect.

Psychology

  • The act of summoning can be related to the idea of power dynamics; calling someone can assert leadership.
  • Studies show that how we summon others – through tone and intent – can affect interpersonal relationships.
  • Psychologically, feeling summoned can evoke responses ranging from eagerness to annoyance, depending on context.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often summon others to reveal secrets or confront fears, enriching the plot.
  • Summoning themes appear in various novels, frequently linked to challenging innocent characters or quests.
  • Poetry sometimes uses 'summon' to evoke a sense of urgency or emotion, enhancing literary expression.

Origin of 'summon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'summon' comes from the Latin 'summonere', which means 'to call forth'.
  • It was first used in English around the 14th century, primarily in legal contexts.
  • Over time, it evolved to include calling people in various situations, from courts to simply asking a friend.

The word 'summon' originated from Middle English 'somnen', from Old French 'somondre', based on Latin 'sub- (under) + monere (warn, remind)'. The term originally meant 'issue a summons to appear in court', with the magical or supernatural sense developing later.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,408, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.