Conjure
/ˈkʌndʒər/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo summon (a spirit or demon) by magical means.
/ˈkʌndʒər/
To summon a spirit or demon by magical means.
The magician conjured a dove from his empty sleeves.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game where you can make things appear! Conjuring is like that – you're making something appear out of nowhere, like summoning a ghost in a spooky story. For example, the magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat!
👶 For kids: To make something appear magically, like a magic trick!
More Examples
He tried to conjure the spirit of his grandfather, but it was not successful.
The witch conjured a storm that threatened to destroy the village.
How It's Used
"The wizard conjured a fire elemental to attack his enemies."
"The ritual involved conjuring the spirits of the ancestors."
To create or imagine, as if by magic.
/ˈkʌndʒər/
To create or imagine something.
She tried to conjure an image of his face but she couldn't quite remember it.
💡 Simply: Think about when you close your eyes and imagine something really cool! Conjuring is like making something appear in your mind, like a fun idea or a happy memory. For instance, she conjured up a plan to surprise her friend.
👶 For kids: To imagine or think of something really hard.
More Examples
The chef conjured up a new recipe using the freshest ingredients.
The writer conjured an exciting plot for his new novel.
How It's Used
"The artist conjured images of a perfect world in her mind."
"The therapist helped the patient conjure positive memories to alleviate their anxiety."
To implore or entreat someone to do something.
/ˈkʌndʒər/
To call upon or entreat (someone) to do something.
The speaker conjured the audience to support the cause.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, when you REALLY need someone to do something, you ask them in a very serious way. Conjuring is like that - asking someone very strongly to do something. For instance, I conjured my friend to help me move the furniture.
👶 For kids: To ask someone very, very nicely to do something.
More Examples
He conjured his colleagues to work harder to finish the task.
The leader conjured the people for unity.
How It's Used
"He conjured his friend to help him with the project."
"The lawyer conjured the witness to tell the truth."
Idioms & expressions
conjure up
To cause something to appear or come into existence, often unexpectedly; or to bring to mind.
"The magician conjured up a rabbit from a hat."
From Middle English *conjuren*, from Old French *conjurer* (“to swear together, conspire, entreat”), from Latin *coniurāre* (“to swear together”), from *con-* (“with, together”) + *iūrāre* (“to swear”).
Historically, the word was often associated with magic and religious ceremonies.
Memory tip
Think of Harry Potter summoning a patronus.