Dictionary entry

Enjoin

Webster's Dictionary 1913

En‐join″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Enjoined (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Enjoining.] [F. enjoindre, L. injungere to join into, charge, enjoin; in + jungere to join. See Join, and cf. Injunction.] 1. To lay upon, as an order or command; to give an injunction to; to direct with authority; to order; to charge.

High matter thou enjoin'st me. Milton.

I am enjoined by oath to observe three things. Shak.

2. (Law) To prohibit or restrain by a judicial order or decree; to put an injunction on.

This is a suit to enjoin the defendants from disturbing the plaintiffs. Kent.

Enjoin has the force of pressing admonition with authority; as, a parent enjoins on his children the duty of obedience. But it has also the sense of command; as, the duties enjoined by God in the moral law. “This word is more authoritative than direct, and less imperious than command.” Johnson.