English Dictionary

Definition of “summon

summon (ˈsʌmənPronunciation for summon

Definitions

verb (tr)

  1. to order to come; send for, esp to attend court, by issuing a summons
  2. to order or instruct (to do something) or call (to something)  ⇒ the bell summoned them to their work 
  3. to call upon to meet or convene
  4. (often foll by up) to muster or gather (one's strength, courage, etc)

Alternative Forms

ˈsummonable adjective

Word Origin

C13: from Latin summonēre  to give a discreet reminder, from monēre to advise

Usage examples

  • In a few moments she would have to summon her energy to bring the news to the gwerbret.
    Kerr, Katharine, A Time of War (1993)
  • For buyers not into hauling 40,000 pounds of fertilizer, the CXT's turbocharged 220 hp International DT diesel engine can summon its 540 lb.
    Maxim (2005)
  • Local television suggested Shevardnadze might try to summon enough deputies loyal to him at his residence.
    New Zealand Herald (2003)
  • Some say eating curry is good for getting rid of mucus -- so long as you can summon enough appetite!
    Sun, News of the World (2000)
  • Three times he had blown his horn to summon her, yet was further off now than he had ever been.
    Stewart, RJ, Magical Tales - the story-telling tradition (1990)

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