injunction
in-JUNGK-shuhn
/ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
An authoritative warning or judicial order restraining a person or entity from beginning or continuing an action.
An equitable court order requiring immediate action or restraint, distinct from mere monetary financial compensation.
The story behind the word. From Late Latin injunctio, derived from Latin injungere ('to join upon, impose, or enjoin'). Formed by combining in- ('upon') and jungere ('to join'). An injunction is a judicial directive joined or attached directly onto a party commanding compliance.
Word relationships
- restraining order: A specific type of judicial injunction frequently used in personal protection or harassment contexts.
- prohibition: General term for an order forbidding a specific conduct.
- permission: Formal approval allowing an action to proceed.
Commonly confused with
- indictment: An indictment is a formal criminal charge, whereas an injunction is a civil order to do or stop doing something.
Word family
- enjoin (verb): To issue an injunction prohibiting or requiring an act.
- injunctions (noun): Plural form of injunction.
Collocations
- preliminary injunction
- seek an injunction
- grant an injunction
- permanent injunction
Example sentences
- "The court granted a temporary injunction prohibiting the developer from clearing the ancient forest." Environmental protection court ruling
- "The patent holder filed an emergency motion for an injunction to block sales of the infringing product." Intellectual property dispute
Memory hook
An injunction JOINs a court order ONTO someone to force them to stop. Court order to stop an action.
When not to use
Do not use to describe financial compensation awards; injunctions command specific actions or prohibitions.
Fun facts
- Courts issue preliminary injunctions before full trials when delay would cause 'irreparable harm' that money alone cannot fix.
Related words
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