conscript

American  

[kuhn-skript, kon-skript] / kənˈskrɪpt, ˈkɒn skrɪpt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draft for military or naval service.

   Synonyms:

   mobilize, recruit, impress, induct

2. to compel into service.

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noun

1. a recruit obtained by conscription.

adjective

1. enrolled or formed by conscription; drafted.

   a conscript soldier.

conscript British  

noun

1. 1. a person who is enrolled for compulsory military service

   2. ( as modifier )

      a conscript army

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verb

1. (tr) to enrol (youths, civilians, etc) for compulsory military service

Other Word Forms

• conscriptable adjective
• nonconscriptable adjective

Etymology

Origin of conscript

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin conscrīptus “enrolled,” past participle of conscrībere “to enroll, enlist”; conscribe ( def. )

Example Sentences

I thank God that Papa was too old to be conscripted into the army.

From Literature

He insists his father was a forced conscript and did not support the Nazis.

From Barron's

As a former career waiter, I say without hesitation that I would not want to go to war with a battalion of conscripted foodies.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said that as a young teenager he was conscripted by his uncle into the Afghan national army, but was captured by the Taliban after they took control.

From BBC

That number almost certainly includes conscripts the military has begun forcibly recruiting to bolster its ranks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• draftee