Definition of the word conjure from

The origin of the word "conjure" dates back to the Middle English period, specifically around the 14th century. At that time, the word "conjuren" was used to describe the act of summoning or calling upon supernatural powers or spirits, often for the purpose of divination or obtaining favors. The word is derived from the Old French "conjurer," which itself comes from the Latin "conjurare," meaning "to swear in unison" or "to conspire." The root of the Latin word, "jur-," is related to the words "jury" and "jurable," as it stems from the same Indo-European root as these words, which means "to decide" or "to speak one's mind." Over time, the meaning of "conjure" in English shifted to include the ideas of invoking spirits, warding off evil, and performing magic in general. The word has since encountered various cross-cultural influences, particularly in English-speaking societies of African descent, where it has taken on additional connotations of spiritual and religious significance. In modern usage, "conjure" is still sometimes associated with supernatural or mystical practices, but it is also used more broadly to refer to the act of imagining or remembering something vividly, as in the expression "conjure up" an image, thought, or memory. This broader usage likely stems from the idea of "conjuring" a mental picture in the mind's eye.