Conjure up
verb
To bring an image or idea into the mind.
The smell of the sea conjured up memories of my childhood holidays.
Often appears as...
- conjure up image
- conjure up memories
verb
To make something appear by magic, or as if by magic.
The magician conjured up a rabbit out of his hat.
Often appears as...
- conjure up spirit
- conjure up magic
verb
To invent something, often in order to deceive.
He conjured up an elaborate excuse for his lateness.
Often appears as...
- conjure up excuses
- conjure up lies
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To bring an image or idea into the mind.
The smell of the sea conjured up memories of my childhood holidays.
Often appears as...
- conjure up image
- conjure up memories
verb
To make something appear by magic, or as if by magic.
The magician conjured up a rabbit out of his hat.
Often appears as...
- conjure up spirit
- conjure up magic
verb
To invent something, often in order to deceive.
He conjured up an elaborate excuse for his lateness.
Often appears as...
- conjure up excuses
- conjure up lies
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
Use 'conjure up' to describe strong emotional reactions triggered by something like a scent or sound.
The song on the radio conjured up feelings of nostalgia for the summers of her youth.
Pro Tip 2/3Powerful Imagery
'Conjure up' can express the ability of words or stories to create vivid images in the mind.
The author's words conjured up a hauntingly beautiful landscape in my imagination.
Pro Tip 3/3Memory Connection
When a current experience connects to a memory, use 'conjure up' to describe that link.
The taste of fresh apple pie conjured up memories of baking with my grandmother.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
Use 'conjure up' to describe strong emotional reactions triggered by something like a scent or sound.
The song on the radio conjured up feelings of nostalgia for the summers of her youth.
Pro Tip 2/3Powerful Imagery
'Conjure up' can express the ability of words or stories to create vivid images in the mind.
The author's words conjured up a hauntingly beautiful landscape in my imagination.
Pro Tip 3/3Memory Connection
When a current experience connects to a memory, use 'conjure up' to describe that link.
The taste of fresh apple pie conjured up memories of baking with my grandmother.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
Use 'conjure up' to describe strong emotional reactions triggered by something like a scent or sound.
The song on the radio conjured up feelings of nostalgia for the summers of her youth.
Pro Tip 2/3Powerful Imagery
'Conjure up' can express the ability of words or stories to create vivid images in the mind.
The author's words conjured up a hauntingly beautiful landscape in my imagination.
Pro Tip 3/3Memory Connection
When a current experience connects to a memory, use 'conjure up' to describe that link.
The taste of fresh apple pie conjured up memories of baking with my grandmother.
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