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”; see conscribe ( def. )

Explanation

If you’re ever drafted into the army, then you could be called a conscript, someone who is forced to join the military. At the root of conscript is the Latin word conscriptus, meaning “enroll.” Conscript does involve enrollment — but it’s a forced enrollment, used to describe someone who has been forced to join the military, such as someone who has been drafted. As a verb, conscript means "force to join," like a military that conscripts new soldiers. In contrast, those who choose to join are recruited; when they enter the service, they enlist.

Example Sentences

Conscript units were apparently being rotated from Eastern Europe to replace the reserve forces that had spearheaded the invasions.

From Time Magazine Archive

In gratitude for this, the Conscript Fathers voted that thenceforth funeral orations might be made for women.

From Roman Women by Brittain, Alfred

Our ancestors, O Conscript Fathers, never lacked either wisdom in design, or energy in action; nor did their pride restrain them from copying those institutions of their neighbors, which they deemed good and wise.

From The Roman Traitor, Vol. 2 by Herbert, Henry William

The time is 1814, during the invasion of France by the allies after the disastrous battle of Leipsic and the campaign described in "The Conscript."

From The Blockade of Phalsburg An Episode of the End of the Empire by Chatrian, Alexandre

"The Conscript" is certainly one of the most impressive statements of the darker side of the national pursuit of military glory that have ever been made.

From The Conscript A Story of the French war of 1813 by Erckmann-Chatrian

Related Words

• draftee