enjoin
Low / C2Formal, primarily legal and administrative.
Definition
Meaning
To legally order or instruct someone to do something (or to refrain from doing something).
To prescribe, urge, or command strongly, with a tone of formal authority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strong sense of authority, often backed by legal or institutional power. It is not a simple suggestion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American legal contexts. In British English, 'order', 'direct', or 'instruct' is more frequent in non-legal writing.
Connotations
In US usage, it is a standard legal term (e.g., 'injunction'). In UK usage, it can sound archaic or very formal outside of law.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in legal and news media reporting on court decisions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
enjoin someone to do somethingenjoin something on/upon someoneenjoin that... (formal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The contract enjoins confidentiality on all parties.'
Academic
Used in legal, philosophical, or historical texts discussing obligations or commands.
Everyday
Very rare; would sound excessively formal.
Technical
Core term in law for a judicial order (injunction).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The judge may enjoin the company from proceeding with the demolition.
- The code enjoins upon members a duty of absolute discretion.
American English
- The court enjoined the state from enforcing the controversial law.
- The judge enjoined the protesters to remain peaceful.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The agreement enjoins both parties to resolve disputes privately.
- The official decree enjoined a day of national celebration.
- The court issued an injunction, enjoining the publication of the classified documents.
- Ethical principles enjoin us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JOIN in the legal sense: a judge joins an order TO you, so you are ENJOINED to follow it.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN AUTHORITY IS A SOURCE OF BINDING FORCE. (The command is metaphorically tied to the recipient.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'наслаждаться' (to enjoy).
- Closer to 'предписывать', 'запрещать (судом)', 'обязывать'.
- It is an act of imposing a duty, not a recommendation.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'enjoy'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'tell' or 'ask' is appropriate.
- Incorrect preposition: 'enjoin from doing' instead of 'enjoin to do' or 'enjoin someone from doing' (the latter is possible but less common).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'enjoin' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Enjoy' means to take pleasure in something, while 'enjoin' means to formally order or instruct.
It is very formal and would sound odd in casual speech. Use 'tell', 'order', or 'instruct' instead.
The key related noun is 'injunction', which is the official legal order issued by a court.
Not always, but it most commonly appears in legal or very formal authoritative contexts. It can be used more broadly for strong, formal urging.