enlist
verb (used without object)
to enroll, usually voluntarily, for military service.
had enlisted
-
past perfectof enlist.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Eric only told his father he had enlisted after he had been captured by Ukraine -- in a phone call from prison.
From Barron's ● Jan. 30, 2026
Mr. Nasaw cites the instance of Jimmy Stewart, who had enlisted in the Army Air Corps at 32.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025
The two suspects, however, were unaware that the two people they had enlisted were “affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI,” according to the Justice Department’s statement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2025
Born in California in 1930, Hackman had enlisted in the army after lying about his age at 16, serving for four-and-a-half years.
From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2025
The master had said it in so many words—my reward for whatever awaited me in this nightmarish new world into which I had enlisted.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
