WordGarden.iosummon
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌmən/
US
- /ˈsəmən/
Meanings
Verb
to call or order someone to come or appear
to officially order someone to appear, especially in court
to call forth a spirit, supernatural being, or magical force
More meaningsFewer meanings
to bring up courage, strength, or another inner resource
Beyond the definition
To summon someone or something means to call for them to come, appear, or help. It is often used when there is authority, urgency, or a special purpose behind the call. A judge may summon a witness to court, a leader may summon advisors to a meeting, and in a crisis someone may summon help. In fantasy stories, a wizard may summon a spirit or creature. The word can also be used in a personal way, as when someone summons the courage to speak or act.
The word "summon" carries a weight of authority and intention. At its core, to summon means to call upon someone or something to be present, usually by official order or with a sense of power. It goes beyond simply asking—it implies an expectation of obedience or response.
Historically, "summon" was often used in legal and official contexts: a court might summon a witness to testify, or a ruler might summon a messenger or advisor. This remains a common use of the word today. However, the term also has strong ties to the supernatural. In folklore and fantasy, people often summon spirits, demons, or other beings through spells and rituals.
Beyond these formal and magical contexts, the word is also used for urgent actions and inner effort. You can summon help in an emergency, such as by calling for a doctor, the police, or a friend. Figuratively, to summon strength, patience, or courage means to bring those qualities out from within yourself when you need them. In all of these uses, "summon" suggests more than a casual call. It describes bringing someone, something, or some inner power forward because the moment requires it.
Examples
- 1
Workplace
The manager summoned me to her office after lunch.
- 2
Legal witness
He was summoned to court as a witness.
- 3
Emergency assistance
Press the red button to summon assistance.
- 4
Government inquiry
The committee summoned the minister to answer questions about the report.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Courage
I had to summon the courage to tell him the truth.
- Patternsummon the courage to do X
make yourself brave enough to do it
- 6
Public appearance
She managed to summon up a smile for the cameras.
- Phrasesummon up
produce a feeling or reaction with effort
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- summonverb
Forms
- summonedpast tenseverb
- summonsverb
- summoning-ing formverb