conscription

[ kuhn-skrip-shuhn ]

noun

1. compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft.
2. a compulsory contribution of money to a government during a time of war.

conscription

/ kənˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. compulsory military service

Other Words From

• con·scription·al adjective
• anti·con·scription noun
• noncon·scription noun
• procon·scription adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscription¹

First recorded in 1350–1400 for earlier sense “piece of writing”; 1795–1805 for current senses; Middle English conscripcioun, from Latin conscrīptiōn-, stem of conscrīptiō “composition, written record, levy of troops,” equivalent to conscript + -ion

Example Sentences

The increasingly embattled junta responded in part by pushing forward with mandatory conscription, despite warnings from experts that it could exacerbate the nation’s civil conflict.

From BBC

Since February 2022, Ukrainian refugees and Russian exiles have fanned out across Europe, fleeing war, conscription and Vladimir Putin’s rule.

From BBC

At this sensitive time of war, when the military has a pressing need to expand its ranks, divisions have opened over the passage of a new military conscription law.

From BBC

He also escaped compulsory conscription, which the Myanmar army has been enforcing to make up for defections and battlefield losses.

From BBC

Two and a half years into the war, and Ukraine is desperate for more troops and brought into force a new conscription law which lowered the age of men joining from 27 to 25.

From BBC

Related Words

• enrollment
• induction