First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
enjoin
verb en·join \in-ˈjȯin, en-\
: to direct or order (someone) to do something
: to prevent (someone) from doing something; especially : to give a legal order preventing (someone) from doing something
Full Definition of ENJOIN
transitive verb
1
: to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition <enjoined us to be careful>
2
See enjoin defined for English-language learners
See enjoin defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ENJOIN
Middle English, from Anglo-French enjoindre, from Latin injungere, from in- + jungere to join — more at yoke
Related to ENJOIN
- Synonyms
- call (for), claim, clamor (for), command, demand, exact, insist (on), press (for), quest, stipulate (for)
Synonym Discussion of ENJOIN
command, order, bid, enjoin, direct, instruct, charge mean to issue orders. command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality. command stresses official exercise of authority <a general commanding troops>. order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise <ordered his employees about like slaves>. bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants) <she bade him be seated>. enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude <a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet>. direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality <directed her assistant to hold all calls> <the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark>. charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility <charged by the President with a secret mission>.
Learn More About ENJOIN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up enjoin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).