5.14.2008

ENJOIN

Enjoin (verb) = (1) To force or compel someone to take an action or cease in some action, usually with a court order or "injunction" (to enjoin someone to act/from acting). (2) To forbid or prevent by legal action (to enjoin any public activity).

Usage: (1) This term is from English legalese: "The Republican Party asked the Florida courts to enjoin the election boards of four counties from counting votes by hand."
Suggested Usage: The term may be used outside the courts as an emphatic substitute for "compel": "I will enjoin you from parking here by whatever power I may" or "I know of no injunction against parking here." Still, it maintains a legalistic ring.