invoke (something) (up)on (someone or something)

invoke (something) (up)on (someone or something)

To call for something to affect or intervene upon someone or something else. You can invoke the fires of Hell on your adulterous ex-wife and her new husband all you want, but when are you going to move on from this chapter in your life?See also: invoke

invoke something (up)on someone or something

to call something, such as judgment, power, wrath of God, etc., to deal with someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The duke invoked the wrath of God upon his enemies—to no avail. Walter invoked divine assistance on the proceedings, which weren't going very well.See also: invoke, on