summon up
To find and use courage, energy, or a memory from deep inside yourself, even when it's hard.
Meanings
To gather courage, strength, or willpower from within oneself, especially when it is difficult to do so.
"She summoned up every ounce of courage she had and stepped onto the stage."
"He had to summon up his courage and speak."
— J.K. Rowling, 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone', 1997 (paraphrased from narrative context)
To bring a memory, image, or feeling to mind, often deliberately.
"The old photograph summoned up memories of childhood summers she hadn't thought about in years."
(Literary/archaic) To call up a spirit, supernatural force, or power.
"In the old legend, the wizard summoned up a demon by reciting the forbidden words."
Often used with abstract nouns: 'summon up courage/strength/energy/a smile/memories.' Has a slightly literary or formal quality. The particle 'up' suggests gathering something from within and bringing it to the surface.
Commonly used with
Forms
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