Definition of conjure

The word "conjure" has a fascinating history. It originates from the Latin word "conjurare," which means "to join together" or "to bind together." This Latin root is also related to the word "conjunct," meaning "joined" or "united." In Old French, the word "conjure" was borrowed and originally meant "to unite" or "to bring together." Later, its meaning shifted to "to summon" or "to call forth," likely influenced by the Latin-derived word "invocare," meaning "to call upon." In English, the word "conjure" has retained its broader sense of "to summon" or "to bring together," but also gained a magical connotation, implying the summoning of spirits, powers, or entities. Today, "conjure" is often used in phrases like "to conjure up an image" or "to conjure up a idea," referring to the act of bringing something into existence or memory.