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

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

But the big loser has been the lover of nonfiction history, as the founding era became a subject conscripted into a turf war over important moral and factual issues.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The elaborate practice of the "evzones", elite infantry conscripts wearing skirts, white stockings and clogs, routinely draws a wall of tourist smartphones.

Read more on Barron's

Others took the opposite path and joined or were conscripted into Islamic State.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The insurgent Karen National Union, which overran army bases along the road a year and a half ago, blames the new conscripts, new drones and betrayal by other Karen militia groups for its losses.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• draftee