VocabDictionary

summon

/ˈsʌm.ən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To authoritatively or urgently call on someone to be present.

Example Sentences:
  • “The manager decided to summon an emergency meeting to address the crisis.”
  • “She was summoned to appear before the judge next Tuesday.”
2.verb

To urgently gather or attempt to inspire a quality or reaction, especially with effort.

Example Sentences:
  • “He tried to summon the courage to speak in front of the large audience.”
  • “I had to summon all my energy just to finish the race.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “summon”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English: from Old French somondre, based on Latin summonere, from sub- 'secretly' + monere 'warn'. Originally used in a legal context meaning to send for someone to appear in court.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a **SUMO** wrestler who is **summoned** (called) into the wrestling ring.

Frequently Asked Questions About “summon”

1. What is the meaning of “summon” in English?

In English, summon (verb) is defined as: “To authoritatively or urgently call on someone to be present.”.

2. How do you use “summon” in a sentence?

“The manager decided to summon an emergency meeting to address the crisis.”

3. What are English synonyms of “summon”?

Common synonyms include:call,cite,convoke,rally

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “summon”?

Middle English: from Old French somondre, based on Latin summonere, from sub- 'secretly' + monere 'warn'. Originally used in a legal context meaning to send for someone to appear in court.