enlist
verb (used without object)
to enroll, usually voluntarily, for military service.
was enlisting
-
past progressiveof enlist.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
But Ann was enlisting the help of local moms.
From Washington Post ● May 20, 2022
Ron Jarmin, the Deputy Director of the Census Bureau, confirmed the bureau was anticipating disinformation campaigns, and was enlisting the help of big tech companies to fend off the threat.
From Reuters ● Mar. 27, 2019
Mr. Lewis made 16-millimeter sound home movies and by 1949 was enlisting celebrity friends for short comedies with titles like “How to Smuggle a Hernia Across the Border.”
From New York Times ● Aug. 20, 2017
Arendt didn’t attend Wednesday’s hearing and was enlisting a new attorney, who couldn’t be reached for comment.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 29, 2016
Like Henry, I sensed I was enlisting in something great, too—writing—and that it was time for me to stop running away from it, but to face it head on.
From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos
