enjoin

[en-join]

verb (used with object)

1. to prescribe (a course of action) with authority or emphasis.

   The doctor enjoined a strict diet.

2. to direct or order to do something.

   He was enjoined to live more frugally.

   Synonyms: require, command, bid, charge

3. Law.,  to prohibit or restrain by an injunction.

   Synonyms: ban, interdict, proscribe

enjoin

/ ɪnˈdʒɔɪn /

verb

1. to order (someone) to do (something); urge strongly; command

2. to impose or prescribe (a condition, mode of behaviour, etc)

3. law to require (a person) to do or refrain from doing (some act), esp by issuing an injunction

Other Word Forms

• enjoiner noun
• enjoinment noun
• reenjoin verb (used with object)
• unenjoined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enjoin¹

1175–1225; Middle English enjoi ( g ) nen < Old French enjoindre < Latin injungere to fasten to, bring upon. See in- ², join

Word History and Origins

Origin of enjoin¹

C13: from Old French enjoindre, from Latin injungere to fasten to, from _in- ² + jungere to _join

Example Sentences

Those portions of the executive action has been enjoined by courts over constitutional concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

She asked Justice Department lawyers what set apart the most recent cuts from previous ones she enjoined.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you’re not actually doing what the District Court found you to be doing and enjoined you from doing, then there should be no harm,” Sung said.

From Los Angeles Times

This battle is enjoined, but it's far from over – and its consequences for this president and future presidents are unpredictable.

From BBC

Going forward, courts may only enjoin enforcement to the extent necessary to give relief to the plaintiffs who brought the case.

From Salon

Related Words

• preclude 
• prohibit 
• proscribe