Enjoin

To formally command or urge someone to do something, often relating to legal or moral obligations. It implies a strong directive, either to perform a specific action or to refrain from a particular behavior. The purpose of enjoining is usually to compel obedience, often for the sake of upholding order, protecting rights, or preventing harm. It can be issued by authorities like courts, governments, or individuals in positions of power or moral authority. The injunction usually carries consequences for non-compliance, ranging from penalties to other forms of enforcement. It can also be used in less formal contexts for moral persuasion or to offer guidance.

Enjoin meaning with examples

• The court issued an injunction to enjoin the company from dumping pollutants into the river, emphasizing environmental protection and preventing further ecological damage. Failure to comply would result in significant financial penalties. The directive also stipulated that they had to create a clean-up plan.
• The village elder tried to enjoin the younger generation to respect traditional customs, recognizing that the cultural legacy was fading in the face of modernity. They also urged the young to stay within the village boundaries at night for their own safety, given recent events.
• The head of the organization used their position to enjoin members to uphold the highest ethical standards in their research practices, ensuring the integrity of the organization's work and protecting public trust, with the risk of termination for any breach of conduct.
• The concerned parent had to enjoin their children to avoid dangerous activities, especially when they are away from home, which could cause serious injury. The parent also added they could only swim under adult supervision, citing a number of instances.
• After careful investigation, the judge chose to enjoin the two parties involved from publicly discussing the sensitive details of the case, to guarantee a fair trial and to preserve the privacy of those involved, this was to prevent any future witness tampering.