muster

[ muhs-ter ]

verb (used with object)

1. to assemble (troops, a ship's crew, etc.), as for battle, display, inspection, orders, or discharge.

   Synonyms: congregate, convene, convoke

   Antonyms: separate, scatter

2. to gather, summon, rouse (often followed by up ):

   He mustered all his courage.

verb (used without object)

1. to assemble for inspection, service, etc., as troops or forces.
2. to come together; collect; assemble; gather.

   Synonyms: congregate, convene

   Antonyms: separate, scatter

noun

1. an assembling of troops or persons for formal inspection or other purposes.

   Synonyms: convention, assembly, gathering

2. an assemblage or collection.
3. the act of mustering.
4. Also called muster roll. (formerly) a list of the persons enrolled in a military or naval unit.

verb phrase

1. to discharge from service in the armed forces:

   He will be mustered out of the army in only two more months.

2. to enlist into service in the armed forces.

muster

/ ˈmʌstə /

verb

1. to call together (numbers of men) for duty, inspection, etc, or (of men) to assemble in this way
2. 1. to enlist into military service
   2. to discharge from military service
3. tr to round up (livestock)
4. trsometimes foll byup to summon or gather

   to muster up courage

   to muster one's arguments

noun

1. an assembly of military personnel for duty, inspection, etc
2. a collection, assembly, or gathering
3. the rounding up of livestock
4. a flock of peacocks
5. pass muster
   to be acceptable

Other Words From

• pre·muster verb (used with object)
• un·mustered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of muster¹

1250–1300; Middle English mostren (v.) < Old French mostrer < Latin mōnstrāre to show, derivative of mōnstrum unnatural event; monster

Word History and Origins

Origin of muster¹

C14: from old French moustrer, from Latin monstrāre to show, from monstrum portent, omen

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. pass muster,
   1. to pass a cursory inspection.
   2. to measure up to a certain standard; be adequate:

      Your grades don't pass muster.

More idioms and phrases containing muster

In addition to the idiom beginning with muster , also see pass muster .

Synonym Study

See gather.

Example Sentences

But those close to Trump say there are back-up plans in place if these nominees can't muster the support needed to be approved.

From BBC

The midfield combination of Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade – which seemed one of the most settled parts of England's side before the autumn – hasn't mustered much punch over the last three games.

From BBC

Joshua Karty’s five field goals were all the Rams could muster.

From Los Angeles Times

This time, they could not muster the same accuracy and were left with a vastly different feeling from March's joy.

From BBC

If the hosts win to prove their mettle and pass muster, the All Blacks may find Test rugby's top tier, like many exclusive clubs, operates a one-in, one-out policy.

From BBC