Subpoena: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Subpoena noun. A legal order requiring someone to attend court or hand over evidence.
How to say it
suh-PEE-nuh/səˈpiːnə/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (PEE). Forms: subpoenas.
Subpoena in a sentence
The journalist received a subpoena to testify about her sources.
The committee issued subpoenas for the bank’s emails.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- summons
- writ
- citation
- order
Where subpoena comes from
From Latin sub poena, under penalty, the opening words of the writ.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The committee issued _____ for the bank’s emails.
- subpoena
- barratry
- bailiwick
Show the answer
subpoena: The committee issued subpoenas for the bank’s emails.