enjoin

views updated May 29 2018

en·join / enˈjoin/ • v. [tr.] instruct or urge (someone) to do something: the code enjoined members to trade fairly. ∎  [tr.] prescribe (an action or attitude) to be performed or adopted: the charitable deeds enjoined on him by religion. ∎  [tr.] (enjoin someone from) Law prohibit someone from performing (a particular action) by issuing an injunction.DERIVATIVES: en·join·er n.en·join·ment n.

enjoin

views updated May 14 2018

enjoin
A. impose (a penalty, task, etc.) XIII; prohibit by an injunction XVI;

B. †join together XIV. f. enjoi(g)n-, stem of (O)F. enjoindre :- L. injungere join, attach, impose, f. EN-1 + jungere JOIN.

Enjoin

views updated May 29 2018

ENJOIN

To direct, require, command, or admonish.

Enjoin connotes a degree of urgency, as when a court enjoins one party in a lawsuit by ordering the person to do, or refrain from doing, something to prevent permanent loss to the other party or parties. This type of order is known as an injunction.