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Injunction
An injunction is a court order that tells someone to do something or stop doing something.
What it actually is
It is a type of equitable remedy, meaning it is based on fairness rather than money damages. Injunctions appear in cases where one party seeks to prevent harm that cannot be adequately compensated by money, such as stopping a nuisance or enforcing a contract term. They can be temporary (pending trial) or permanent (after final judgment).
Why it matters in your case
If you are facing an injunction, you must comply immediately or risk being held in contempt of court. It can force you to change your behavior or halt an activity even before the case is fully decided, which can have serious practical consequences.
The common misunderstanding
People often think an injunction is the same as a restraining order, but restraining orders are a specific type of injunction for personal protection. Another common mistake is believing you can ignore an injunction until you lose the case—in fact, you must obey it from the moment it is issued.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.