conscription

[kuhn-skrip-shuhn]

noun

1. compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft.

2. a compulsory contribution of money to a government during a time of war.

conscription

/ kənˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. compulsory military service

Other Word Forms

• conscriptional adjective
• anticonscription noun
• nonconscription noun
• proconscription adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscription¹

First recorded in 1350–1400 for earlier sense “piece of writing”; 1795–1805 for current senses; Middle English conscripcioun, from Latin conscrīptiōn-, stem of conscrīptiō “composition, written record, levy of troops,” equivalent to conscript + -ion

Example Sentences

Only two percent of ultra-Orthodox Jews respond to conscription orders according to the military, which has created units specifically for them.

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Europe’s other military power, there is widespread aversion to conscription, which ended in 1960.

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More than 25 years after conscription was phased out, the plan will see young men and women volunteering for a paid 10 months of military training.

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Much like mandatory conscription meant civilian and military life were intimately connected, highways, bridges, train stations and ports were designed to serve as military assets if needed.

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A few days later came another job - to set fire to a van belonging to a conscription centre, film it and run.

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Related Words

• enrollment 
• induction