vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Conjurar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to conspire", and "invocar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to invoke". Learn more about the difference between "conjurar" and "invocar" below.
conjurar(
kohng
-
hoo
-
rahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to scheme)
a. to conspire
Algunos senadores conjuraron y ejercieron presión para que se apruebe el proyecto de ley.Some senators conspired and lobbied to have the bill passed.
b. to plot
Arrestaron a los generales que conjuraban para derrocar al gobierno.The generals who plotted to overthrow the government were arrested.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to conjure
El mago jura que puede conjurar un duendecillo.The wizard swears he can conjure a sprite.
a. to exorcise
Un sacerdote llegó a la casa para conjurar a la mujer que estaba poseída.A priest came to the house to exorcise the possessed woman.
a. to avert
El gobierno implementó nuevas medidas económicas para conjurar el peligro de una inflación galopante.The government implemented new economic measures to avert the danger of rampant inflation.
conjurarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
5. (to scheme)
a. to conspire
Tres oficiales se conjuraron para asesinar al general.Three officers conspired to assassinate the general.
b. to plot
Los dos hermanos se conjuraron para quedarse con las tierras de su tío.The two brothers plotted to keep their uncle's land.
invocar(
eem
-
boh
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (legal)
a. to invoke
El acusado invocó su derecho a permanecer en silencio.The defendant invoked his right to remain silent.
b. to cite
Los catalanes invocan el derecho de autodeterminación.Catalans cite their right to self-determination.
c. to refer to
Los abogados invocaron el artículo 86 del Código Penal.The lawyers referred to section 86 of the penal code.
a. to invoke (formal)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Los peregrinos invocaron a los santos en sus oraciones y les rogaron su intercesión.The pilgrims invoked the saints in their prayers and asked them for their intercession.
b. to call on
Voy a ir a un médium para que invoque a mi padre, que en paz descanse.I am visiting a medium so that he can call on my father, may he rest in peace.
3. (to plead)
b. to appeal for
El hombre se arrepintió de sus pecados e invocó el perdón.The man repented for his sins and appealed for forgiveness.
a. to cite
El hombre invocó a su mujer para reafirmar su versión de lo ocurrido.The man cited his wife in order to reassert his version of events.
b. to invoke
Peter invocó su amistad con Ángela para ganarse la confianza de su familia.Peter invoked his friendship with Angela to win the trust of her family.
