WordGarden.ioinjunction
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪndʒˈʌŋkʃən/
US
- /ˌɪnˈdʒəŋkʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something
an authoritative command or instruction
Beyond the definition
Imagine a neighborhood dispute getting worse - maybe someone's building a fence that crosses your land, or a group is blocking access to a business. An injunction is like a referee stepping in with an official court order that tells someone to do something or not to do something. For example, it might order a person to stop building, move away from a property, or stop contacting someone. It's not just a request; it's legally binding.
Think of it as a way for the court to step in before more harm is done. These orders are common in cases about property, contracts, business disputes, and harassment. You might hear that one was "granted" or "dissolved," meaning a judge either approved it or later removed it.
An injunction is a court order that requires someone to do - or refrain from doing - a specific act. It's a powerful legal tool used to maintain the status quo, prevent irreparable harm, or enforce rights while a lawsuit is ongoing. Unlike a simple request or suggestion, an injunction carries the force of law; violating it can lead to serious consequences like fines or even jail time.
There are different types of injunctions. A temporary restraining order (TRO) is often issued quickly, sometimes without notice to the other party, in emergency situations - think preventing someone from immediately destroying evidence. A preliminary injunction lasts longer but still requires a hearing where both sides present their arguments. Finally, a permanent injunction is issued after a full trial and can remain in effect indefinitely.
Injunctions are frequently used in cases involving intellectual property (stopping the sale of counterfeit goods), environmental law (preventing pollution), or harassment/stalking (ordering someone to stay away from another person). You might read about an injunction being sought by a company against a former employee who is violating a non-compete agreement, or by a city trying to stop a construction project that violates zoning laws.
Essentially, an injunction is a legal "pause button" - a way for the courts to intervene and prevent further damage while they work toward a final resolution. It's a serious matter with significant implications for all parties involved.
Examples
- 1
Pollution case
The residents asked the court for an injunction to stop the factory from dumping waste into the river.
- 2
Eviction case
A judge granted a temporary injunction against the eviction while the case was being reviewed.
- Domaintemporary injunction
a court order that lasts for a limited time
- 3
Legal consequences
If the company ignores the injunction, it could face heavy fines.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- restraining order
- cease-and-desist order
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- grant an injunction
- seek an injunction
- preliminary injunction
- permanent injunction
Word family
- injunctive
Explore
- equitable relief
- specific performance
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- injunctionnoun
Forms
- injunctionspluralnoun