Enjoin, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Enjoined; p. pr. & vb. n. Enjoining.]
Etymology: [F. enjoindre, L. injungere to join into, charge, enjoin; in + jungere to join. See Join, and cf. Injunction.]
1. To lay upon, as an order or command; to give an injunction to; to direct with authority; to order; to charge. High matter thou enjoin'st me. Milton. I am enjoined by oath to observe three things. Shak.
2. (Law)
To prohibit or restrain by a judicial order or decree; to put an injunction on. This is a suit to enjoin the defendants from disturbing the plaintiffs. Kent.
Note: Enjoin has the force of pressing admonition with authority; as, a parent enjoins on his children the duty of obedience. But it has also the sense of command; as, the duties enjoined by God in the moral law. "This word is more authoritative than direct, and less imperious than command." Johnson.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Enjoin, v. t.
To join or unite. [Obs.] Hooker.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists enjoin only as an antonym, under prohibit.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.