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. intrfoll byin to enter into or join an enterprise, cause, etc

Derived Forms

• enˈlister, noun
• enˈlistment, noun

Other Words From

• en·lister noun
• preen·list verb
• unen·listed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlist¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; en- ¹ + list ¹

Example Sentences

When the Polish forces were deployed to Europe the only way to take the bear with them was to "enlist" him.

From BBC

Since leaving the Navy, she has come to oppose America’s interventionist policies while supporting the people who, like her, enlist at an age where they don’t entirely understand what they’re signing up for.

From Salon

Offset and Cardi B might have gone their separate ways, after seven years of marriage, but the “Bodak Yellow” rapper said she would enlist her ex’s help to get back at the prank caller — with some stipulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Last spring Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, at the time the team’s largest shareholder, was so unhappy with the board’s profligate spending on nonsoccer things he pushed the board’s other five members to enlist the help of a New York investment bank in finding a new controlling owner.

From Los Angeles Times

As attendance grows, Scout Quiquivix hopes to enlist a second teacher.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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