Enjoin

Pronunciation

• IPA: /É›nˈdʒɔɪn/
• Rhymes: -ɔɪn

Origin

From Old French enjoindre ("to join with"), from Latin iniungo ("to attach"), a compound of in- ("into” “upon") and iungo.

Full definition of enjoin

Verb

1. (transitive, chiefly literary) To lay upon, as an order or command; to give an injunction to; to direct with authority; to order; to charge.
• King James Bible - Esther 9:31To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them ...
• ShakespeareI am enjoined by oath to observe three things.
2. (transitive, legal) To prohibit or restrain by a judicial order or decree; to put an injunction on.
• KentThis is a suit to enjoin the defendants from disturbing the plaintiffs.

Related terms

• injunction noun