illocutionary (adj.)

A term used in the theory of SPEECH ACTS to refer to an act which is performed by the speaker by virtue of the UTTERANCE having been made. Examples of illocutionary acts (or illocutionary force) include promising, commanding, requesting, baptizing, arresting, etc. The term is contrasted with LOCUTIONARY (the act of ‘saying’) and PERLOCUTIONARY (where the act is defined by reference to the effect it has on the hearer).