First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
summon
transitive verb sum·mon \ˈsə-mən\
: to order (someone) to come to a place
: to order (someone) to appear in a court of law
: to ask for (someone or something) to come : to send or call for (someone or something)
sum·monedsum·mon·ing \ˈsə-mə-niŋ, ˈsəm-niŋ\
Full Definition of SUMMON
1
: to issue a call to convene : convoke
2
: to command by service of a summons to appear in court
3
: to call upon for specified action
4
: to bid to come : send for <summon a physician>
5
: to call forth : evoke —often used with up
— sum·mon·able \ˈsə-mə-nə-bəl\ adjective
— sum·mon·er \ˈsə-mə-nər, ˈsəm-nər\ noun
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Origin of SUMMON
Synonym Discussion of SUMMON
summon, call, cite, convoke, convene, muster mean to demand the presence of. summon implies the exercise of authority <was summoned to answer charges>. call may be used less formally for summon <called the legislature into special session>. cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge <cited for drunken driving>. convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes <convoked a Vatican council>. convene is somewhat less formal than convoke <convened the students>. muster suggests a calling up of a number of things that form a group in order that they may be exhibited, displayed, or utilized as a whole <mustered the troops>.
Rhymes with SUMMON
SUMMONER Defined for Kids
summon
verb sum·mon \ˈsə-mən\
sum·monedsum·mon·ing
Definition of SUMMON for Kids
1
: to call or send for : convene <The clerk … summoned a bellboy and handed him a key. “Take this gentleman to his room!” — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan>
2
: to order to appear before a court of law
3
: to call into being : arouse <She tried to summon up courage.>
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