muster

American  

[muhs-ter] / ˈmʌs tər /

verb (used with object)

1. to assemble (troops, a ship's crew, etc.), as for battle, display, inspection, orders, or discharge.

   Synonyms:

   congregate, convene, convoke

   Antonyms:

   separate, scatter

2. to gather, summon, rouse (often followed byup ).

   He mustered all his courage.

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verb (used without object)

1. to assemble for inspection, service, etc., as troops or forces.

2. to come together; collect; assemble; gather.

   Synonyms:

   congregate, convene

   Antonyms:

   separate, scatter

noun

1. an assembling of troops or persons for formal inspection or other purposes.

   Synonyms:

   convention, assembly, gathering

2. an assemblage or collection.

3. the act of mustering.

4. Also called muster roll.  (formerly) a list of the persons enrolled in a military or naval unit.

verb phrase

1. muster out to discharge from service in the armed forces.

   He will be mustered out of the army in only two more months.

2. muster in to enlist into service in the armed forces.

idioms

1. pass muster,

   1. to pass a cursory inspection.

   2. to measure up to a certain standard; be adequate.

      Your grades don't pass muster.

muster British  

/ ˈmʌstə /

verb

1. to call together (numbers of men) for duty, inspection, etc, or (of men) to assemble in this way

2. 1. to enlist into military service

   2. to discharge from military service

3. (tr) to round up (livestock)

4. to summon or gather

   to muster one's arguments

   to muster up courage

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noun

1. an assembly of military personnel for duty, inspection, etc

2. a collection, assembly, or gathering

3. the rounding up of livestock

4. a flock of peacocks

5. to be acceptable

muster More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing muster

• pass muster

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Related Words

See gather.

Other Word Forms

• premuster verb (used with object)
• unmustered adjective

Etymology

Origin of muster

1250–1300; Middle English mostren (v.) < Old French mostrer < Latin mōnstrāre to show, derivative of mōnstrum unnatural event; monster

Example Sentences

In a typical election year, the interest in the down-ballot race for California insurance commissioner musters modest interest at best.

From Los Angeles Times

He could muster just eight points in 18 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

For the first time in his career, Hamilton failed to even muster a podium finish last term as he struggled to adapt to his new surroundings.

From Barron's

Her excuse for changing the address on your mother’s account does not pass muster, even if your mother has been moved into a hospice facility.

From MarketWatch

I muster enough energy to push her aside and tuck my legs underneath me.

From Literature