summon

Universal Words verb 1 (formal) to order sb to appear in a court of law SYNSUMMONS: [VNtoinf] He was summoned to appear before the magistrates. [also VN] 2 ~ sb (to sth) (formal) to order sb to come to you: [VN] In May 1688 he was urgently summoned to London. * She summoned the waiter. * He was summoned before the board of directors. [also VNtoinf] 3 [VN] (formal) to arrange an official meeting SYNCONVENE: to summon a conference / meeting 4 [VN] (formal) to call for or try to obtain sth: to summon assistance / help / reinforcements 5 [VN] ~ sth (up) to make an effort to produce a particular quality in yourself, especially when you find it difficult SYNMUSTER: She was trying to summon up the courage to leave him. * I couldn't even summon the energy to get out of bed. PHRASALVERBS summon sth<->up to make a feeling, an idea, a memory, etc. come into your mind SYNEVOKE: The book summoned up memories of my childhood.