evocation

Other forms: evocations

Does the taste of a particular candy bar suddenly whisk you back to an earlier time in your life? That's an evocation, the summoning, usually unconscious, of a memory or emotional state caused by a particular stimulus.

The word invocation is often used interchangeably with evocation, though in fact they have quite different meanings. An invocation is a deliberate — as opposed to accidental or unconscious — summoning of a God or other form of supernatural power for aid. Very different, you'll agree. Unless of course you're trying to invoke the God of candy bars.

Definitions of evocation

1. noun

   stimulation that calls up (draws forth) a particular class of behaviors
   synonyms: elicitation, induction

   type of:

   input, stimulant, stimulation, stimulus

   any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action
2. noun

   imaginative re-creation
   type of:

   imagery, imagination, imaging, mental imagery

   the ability to form mental images of things or events
3. noun

   calling up supposed supernatural forces by spells and incantations
   synonyms: summoning

   type of:

   conjuration, conjuring, conjury, invocation

   calling up a spirit or devil