verb
enjoin
en-JOYN/ɪnˈdʒɔɪn/
To direct someone by an authoritative order.
The judge enjoins the official to carry out the court's order.
Etymology
The pieces convey attaching something onto someone. Latin extended this to imposing something, which underlies enjoin in the sense of placing a requirement or command upon a person.
In context
being instant in prayer as the apostle instructs but does not thereby enjoin us to compose a prayer of 10 000 verses
More examples
- The court enjoined the company from dumping waste into the river.
- The director enjoins all staff members to follow safety procedures.
- The order enjoins silence on everyone present.
Forms
enjoin · enjoins · enjoined · enjoining
injunction noun — An authoritative order, especially from a court.