conscript

[kuhn-skript, kon-skript]

verb (used with object)

1. to draft for military or naval service.

   Synonyms: mobilize, recruit, impress, induct

2. to compel into service.

noun

1. a recruit obtained by conscription.

adjective

1. enrolled or formed by conscription; drafted.

   a conscript soldier.

conscript

noun

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

   2. ( as modifier )

      a conscript army

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• conscriptable adjective
• nonconscriptable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscript¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscript¹

C15: from Latin conscrīptus, past participle of conscrībere to write together in a list, enrol, from scrībere to write

Example Sentences

On November 19, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the government was required to present an effective proposal for conscripting the ultra-Orthodox.

Read more on Barron's

The Algerian war of independence was the last conflict fought by French conscripts, with more than 12,000 killed.

Read more on BBC

Bern estimated it would double the cost of Switzerland's current militia system, which sees army conscripts do at least four months' service before being called up repeatedly over a decade for weeks-long refresher sessions.

Read more on Barron's

Here, the Russian conscripts are either mean but brave or they just have rotten luck.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Moscow legally bars conscripts from being deployed to combat, but after the military service men enter Russia's reserves, making them eligible to be drafted in future rounds of mobilisation.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• draftee