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
• enlistment noun
• preenlist verb
• unenlisted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlist¹

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

Example Sentences

Hegseth was referring to enlisted personnel who have been allowed waivers for religious or medical purposes, such as Orthodox Jewish, Sikh or Muslim personnel.

Read more on Salon

Mr. Nasaw cites the instance of Jimmy Stewart, who had enlisted in the Army Air Corps at 32.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Japanese Americans in Colorado never sponsored Alvarado again, after he declined an offer to enlist in the military.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Medina Country Club, a private club in Medina, Ohio, enlisted golf architect Dave Zinkand to renovate its practice facilities and design a short, reversible course that is scheduled to open in October.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To stop Mocata from using Simon to bring about an apocalypse, Rex and the Duke enlist their own occult knowledge against evil spirits, mind-control, demonic horses and the Devil himself.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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