1. calls upon or appeals to (a deity, spirit, or authority) for help, support, or inspiration
Usage: formal or literary; third-person singular present tense of 'invocate'
2. cites or refers to (a law, principle, or precedent) as a reason or justification
Usage: formal; third-person singular present tense of 'invocate'

Examples

• The poet invocates the muse at the beginning of her epic.
• She invocates divine blessing before the ceremony begins.
• The lawyer invocates precedent to support her argument.
• He invocates the ancient traditions of his ancestors.
• The speaker invocates reason and compassion in her plea.
• They invocate the spirit of unity during the national holiday.