conjure up
Definition
Verb: 1. To summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic: To cause something to appear or be remembered, typically through the power of imagination, memory, or description, giving the impression of a magical creation. 2. To evoke or call to mind: To vividly bring an image, feeling, or memory into one's thoughts.
Examples
- The old photograph conjured up memories of her childhood summers.
- The author's words conjure up a vivid image of a bustling medieval market.
- He can conjure up an entire symphony in his mind.
- The politician's speech conjured up fears of economic decline.
Advanced Usage
- "to conjure up the image/thought/memory of...": A common structure for specifying what is being evoked.
- The smell of pine trees conjured up the image of a snowy forest.
- "to conjure up support/sympathy": To successfully create or muster a particular feeling or resource.
- The charity aimed to conjure up public support for the cause.
Variants and Related Words
- Conjure (verb): Often used synonymously with "conjure up," especially in the context of magic or illusion (e.g., ). It can also mean to implore solemnly.
- Conjurer/Conjuror (noun): A magician or illusionist.
Synonyms
- Evoke: To bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind.
- Summon: To call upon something to appear.
- Invoke: To call on (a deity or spirit) in prayer or as a witness; to cite or appeal to (a law, principle, or feeling).
- Elicit: To draw out a response or fact from someone.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Conjure up is the primary and most common phrasal verb form of "conjure" in this sense. The particle "up" emphasizes the act of bringing something forth.
Related Idioms
- A name to conjure with: A name of great importance or power in a particular field.
- In the world of physics, Einstein is a name to conjure with.
Verb
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summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
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raise the specter of unemployment
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he conjured wild birds in the air
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call down the spirits from the mountain
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