conjuration

[ kon-juh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of calling on or invoking a sacred name.
2. an incantation; magical charm.
3. supernatural accomplishment by invocation or spell.
4. the practice of legerdemain.
5. supplication; solemn entreaty.

conjuration

/ ˌkɒndʒʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. a magic spell; incantation
2. a less common word for conjuring
3. archaic.
   supplication; entreaty

Word History and Origins

Origin of conjuration¹

1350–1400; Middle English conjuracio ( u ) n (< Anglo-French ) < Latin conjūrātiōn- (stem of conjūrātiō ), equivalent to conjūrāt ( us ), past participle of conjūrāre to swear together ( con- con- + jūr- (stem of jūs ) right, justice, duty + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

It’s an inward-looking musical conjuration of a city that’s partially vanished — to refugee outflows, to military curfews — and a city that is still, defiantly, standing.

From New York Times

A cracking whip and a thudding bass drum bring this sublime conjuration to an end.

From The New Yorker

However, according to Section 365 of Canada's Criminal Code, it is illegal to "fraudulently pretend to exercise or to use any kind of witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment or conjuration".

From BBC

He stopped and looked at me like he’s puzzling, then said, “I’m going to have to do some more contemplating over this. On the one hand this might be an act of conjuration.”

From Literature

There is no divine appearance in Kill List, no conjuration, just bleakly absurd acts of extreme aggression, suicidal and murderous all at once.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• appeal
• beauty
• charisma
• glamour
• grace
• magic