Enjoin

/ɛnˈdʒɔɪn/ verb

Definition

to command or urge strongly; to forbid or prohibit, often used in legal contexts.

Etymology

From Old French enjoindre (from Latin injungere: in- + jungere meaning 'to join or yoke'). The word originally meant 'to join together' but evolved to mean 'to impose as a command.'

Kelly Says

Courts still use 'enjoin' all the time—when a judge 'enjoins' you to do something, they're legally joining you to that action, which is why breaking an injunction is serious.

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