subpoena
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /səˈpiːnə/
KK: /səˈpiːnə/
noun
Definition
A legal document that orders someone to attend court or produce evidence.
Example
The lawyer issued a subpoena to the witness to ensure their appearance at the trial.
Conversation
Did you hear that Sam got a subpoena for the trial next week?
No way! That's pretty serious, what's it about?
Apparently, he witnessed something important and they need his testimony.
Wow, I hope it all goes smoothly for him.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
summons
writ
citation
Antonyms
exemption
release
discharge
transitive verb
Definition
To officially order someone to attend a court or produce documents.
Example
The lawyer decided to subpoena the witness for the trial.
Tense Forms
Past: subpoenaed
Past Participle: subpoenaed
Conversation
Did you hear that they had to subpoena him for the trial?
Yeah, I can't believe it got that serious.
I wonder what he did to warrant a subpoena.
Root Explanation
Subpoena is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "poena" (meaning penalty or punishment). The term originally referred to a legal order that compels someone to appear in court under the threat of penalty for noncompliance.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'under' ('sub-') a 'penalty' ('poena') if you do not appear in court — that's what a subpoena means.
Visually Confused Words
unsubpoenaed