evocation

American  

[ev-uh-key-shuhn, ee-voh-key-] / ˌɛv əˈkeɪ ʃən, ˌi voʊˈkeɪ- /

noun

1. an act or instance of evoking; a calling forth.

   the evocation of old memories.

2. Law. (formerly) an action of a court in summoning a case from another, usually lower, court for purposes of complete review and decision, as on an appeal in which the issue is incidental or procedural and the court of first instance has not yet rendered a decision on its merits; the removal of a case from one court to another.

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evocation British  

/ ˌɛvəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of evoking

2. French law the transference of a case from an inferior court for adjudication by a higher tribunal

3. another word for induction

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Etymology

Origin of evocation

1400–50; late Middle English evocacioun < Latin ēvocātiōn- (stem of ēvocātiō ) calling forth, out, equivalent to ēvocāt ( us ) (past participle of ēvocāre to evoke ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Does the taste of a particular candy bar suddenly whisk you back to an earlier time in your life? That's an evocation, the summoning, usually unconscious, of a memory or emotional state caused by a particular stimulus. The word invocation is often used interchangeably with evocation, though in fact they have quite different meanings. An invocation is a deliberate — as opposed to accidental or unconscious — summoning of a God or other form of supernatural power for aid. Very different, you'll agree. Unless of course you're trying to invoke the God of candy bars.

Example Sentences

More gripping is the author’s evocation of her ancestors’ tale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

As an evocation of a remarkable figure, by turns obstinate and unexpectedly endearing, Longford’s book remains unsurpassed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

You’re taking a promenade in a rose garden filled with thorns — forgive my “Bridgerton” evocation.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 6, 2026

But the series’ showrunners have won over viewers by presenting Derry as an evocation of supposedly simpler times.

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2025

“The Chief God’s purpose in the creative advance is the evocation of novel intensities. He is the lure for our feeling.”

From "Grendel" by John Gardner