enlist

American  

[en-list] / ɛnˈlɪst /

verb (used without object)

1. to enroll, usually voluntarily, for military service.

   He decided to enlist in the Marines.

2. to enter into some cause, enterprise, etc.

   Synonyms:

   join, volunteer

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verb (used with object)

1. to engage for military service.

   to enlist men for the army.

2. to secure (a person, services, etc.) for some cause, enterprise, etc..

   They enlisted us to serve as ushers at the meeting.

enlist British  

/ ɪnˈlɪst /

verb

1. to enter or persuade to enter into an engagement to serve in the armed forces

2. (tr) to engage or secure (a person, his services, or his support) for a venture, cause, etc

3. to enter into or join an enterprise, cause, etc

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Other Word Forms

• enlister noun
• enlistment noun
• preenlist verb
• unenlisted adjective

Etymology

Origin of enlist

First recorded in 1690–1700; en- ¹ + list ¹

Example Sentences

Kenyans enlisted to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine will be granted amnesty on their return home, the East African nation's foreign minister has said.

From BBC

After college, Mueller enlisted in the US Marines, and after one year as an enlisted man, entered officer candidate school.

From Barron's

While local officials staff these sites, the city plans to enlist volunteers and evacuees to help run shelters, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal

To ensure that happens, Brink enlisted the help of Mario Lalli, the godfather of desert rock, who gave the festival instant credibility.

From Los Angeles Times

"They will no longer be eligible to be enlisted," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• admit
• appoint
• assign
• attract
• call up
• conscript
• employ
• engage
• enroll
• enter
• gather
• hire
• join
• mobilize
• recruit
• serve
• volunteer