Injunction

Definition

Injunction is a noun meaning (1) Law: a court order requiring a party to do a specific act or to refrain from a specific act (an equitable remedy); (2) an authoritative warning or directive.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
• Respelling: in-JUNK-shən

British English

• IPA: /ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
• Respelling: in-JUNK-shən

Etymology

Late Middle English, from Latin injunctiō (stem injunctiōn-) ‘a command,’ from past participle stem injunct- of injungere (also spelled iniungere) ‘to enjoin, to impose,’ formed from in- ‘upon’ + iungere ‘to join.’

Derivatives

• enjoin (verb) — to order or prohibit by injunction
• injunctive (adjective) — relating to or constituting an injunction; also in grammar, an “injunctive” form in some languages
• injunctively (adverb) — in a manner characteristic of an injunction
• injunctions (plural noun)

Synonyms

• court order
• writ
• order
• mandate
• interdict (Scots/civil law)
• restraining order (esp. temporary)
• decree (contextual)
• directive

Antonyms

• authorization
• permission
• consent
• license
• approval

Usage

Law: “The district court issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the rule.”

General: “She followed the doctor’s injunction to rest for two weeks.”

Related Terms

• Injunctive relief: Equitable remedy obtained by injunction.
• Temporary restraining order (TRO): A short-term order to preserve the status quo before a hearing.
• Preliminary (interlocutory) injunction: Provisional order pending final judgment.
• Permanent injunction: Final order after a decision on the merits.
• Prohibitory vs. mandatory injunction: Orders restraining action vs. compelling action.
• Contempt of court: Sanction for violating an injunction.
• Specific performance: Equitable decree compelling performance of a contract (distinct but related in equity).

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Law: A court order directing a party to do or to refrain from doing a specific act — an equitable remedy used to prevent irreparable harm, maintain the status quo, or compel compliance.
  • Example: “Plaintiffs sought an injunction compelling the city to provide access to records.”
  • Example: “A preliminary injunction was granted to halt demolition pending appeal.”
• An authoritative warning or directive — a firm instruction issued by a person or institution.
  • Example: “The safety officer’s injunction against using damaged equipment was strictly observed.”