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”; conscribe ( def. )

Example Sentences

Trudging through snow, a young Finnish conscript carefully draws a thin blue wire between two pine trees.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Initially, men had to have at least three months of conscript service under their belts before signing a contract.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

The legislation, which was watered down from its original draft, will make it easier to identify every conscript in the country.

From Seattle Times • May 18, 2024

He had not handled a gun since he was a teenage conscript in Hitler’s Wehrmacht at the end of World War II.

From New York Times • Dec. 27, 2023

Azareen, fierce and stoic as she was, had one of the prettiest tattoos Sarai had seen—done by Guldan, of course, who was now a conscript in Minya’s wretched army.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

• draftee