Definition of conjure up

The word "conjure up" has roots in the Middle English word "conjuren," which meant to summon or bring forth by magical means. This word came from the Old French "conjurer," which itself derived from the Latin "congiurare," meaning to confederate or unite. In its original use, "conjure" referred specifically to the evoking of supernatural beings or spirits through magical incantations or rituals. This meaning can be traced back to at least the 14th century, but the word's primary usage today is more general, extending beyond the realm of magic and superstition. By the 16th century, "conjure" had evolved to mean simply "to summon" or "to bring forth," particularly in the contexts of recalling memories, imagining scenarios, or envisioning future events. This sense of the word became increasingly common in the English language over time, and "conjure up" – the modern-day iteration signifying the vivid and imaginative creation of something in one's mind's eye – emerged in the early 20th century. In summary, the origins of "conjure up" can be traced back to the medieval usage of "conjure," which itself was rooted in the ancient Latin word for confederating or uniting. Over time, the meaning of "conjure" evolved, reflecting the changing nature of the spoken English language, and today "conjure up" denotes the faculty to vividly and creatively imagine something in one's mind.