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

The year is 1971 and Easy, now 50, is beset by memories of his hardscrabble Southern youth and first loves before he enlisted to serve in World War II in Europe and Africa.

From Los Angeles Times

She often writes and directs her music videos and regularly enlists an inner circle of trusted creatives to work on her albums.

From BBC

They suspect that Washington orchestrated the entire operation, likely enlisting the support of El Chapo’s son to abduct Zambada and transport him to U.S. territory.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, Washington is enlisting the U.S. military to help with the problem of cartel violence next door.

From Los Angeles Times

Some people were enlisted to join the U.S.-backed government; their experience made them useful to Washington and its local allies’ efforts to understand, and even communicate with, the Taliban.

From Salon

Related Words

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