What is summon? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of summon

summonverb

triệu hồi

/ˈsʌmən//ˈsʌmən/

Where does the word summon come from?

The origin of the word "summon" can be traced back to the Old English word "sumen", which meant "to call together" or "to gather". The Middle English variant, "sommen", was used primarily in a legal context to refer to the act of legally summoning someone to appear in court. The word's meaning expanded over time, and today it is commonly used to denote any request or instruction to appear at a specific place or time. The verb "to summon" is often followed by a preposition, such as "to" or "for", depending on the context in which it is used. Its use in modern English reflects its historical roots in the Old English language, where it was employed in honorific and official communications to denote a sense of authority and gravity.

Vocabulary summary summon

typetransitive verb

meaningcall, invite, summon; convene (a meeting)

meaningcall on (a city...) to surrender

meaningconcentrate

exampleto summon up one's courage

exampleto summon up one's strength

Example of vocabulary summonnamespace

meaning

to order somebody to appear in court

  • He was summoned to appear before the magistrates.
meaning

to order somebody to come to you

  • In May 1688 he was urgently summoned to London.
  • She summoned the waiter.
  • He was summoned before the board of directors.
meaning

to call for or try to obtain something

  • to summon assistance/help/reinforcements
meaning

to arrange an official meeting

  • to summon a meeting
meaning

to make an effort to produce a particular quality in yourself, especially when you find it difficult

  • She was trying to summon up the courage to leave him.
  • I couldn't even summon the energy to get out of bed.

Synonyms and related words for summon


Comment ()