summon

UK: ˈsʌmən | US: ˈsʌmən

Definition

  1. vt. to authoritatively call someone to be present

  2. vt. to evoke or bring forth (a feeling or memory)

  3. vt. (law) to order someone to appear in court

Structure
sum <under>mon <warn>sum <under>mon <warn>
Etymology

Derived from Old French sumondre, itself from Latin summonēre (to secretly prompt or warn). The word originally implied a covert or authoritative call, later generalized to any formal demand. The morphemes reflect the logic of "urging from beneath authority," preserving the tension between hidden power and visible action.

Examples

  1. The king summoned his council to discuss the crisis.

  2. The smell of rain summoned memories of her childhood.

  3. She was summoned to testify in court next week.

  4. The wizard summoned a spirit to aid him.

  5. The principal summoned the students to the auditorium.