enlist

[en-list]

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

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlist¹

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

Example Sentences

The only National Guard presence seen by the BBC was from a recruiter at the finish line, manning a booth and asking runners if they wanted to enlist.

Read more on BBC

The motion passed Tuesday directs county lawyers to enlist law enforcement “as necessary” and consider referring the allegations in The Times’ reporting to the State Bar.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For this endeavor I enlisted the help of my friend, Greg, a local.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They’re hardy horses, and can be enlisted as pack animals high up in the mountains.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some 2,000 Iraqis are thought to have enlisted, but press reports indicate thousands joining from Egypt, Algeria, Yemen and Jordan.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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