conscript

[ verb kuhn-skript; noun adjective kon-skript ]

verb (used with object)

1. to draft for military or naval service.

   Synonyms: mobilize, recruit, impress, induct

2. to compel into service.

noun

1. a recruit obtained by conscription.

adjective

1. enrolled or formed by conscription; drafted:

   a conscript soldier.

conscript

noun

1. 1. a person who is enrolled for compulsory military service
   2. ( as modifier )

      a conscript army

verb

1. tr to enrol (youths, civilians, etc) for compulsory military service

Other Words From

• con·script·a·ble adjective
• non·con·script·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscript¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin conscrīptus “enrolled,” past participle of conscrībere “to enroll, enlist”; conscribe ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscript¹

C15: from Latin conscrīptus, past participle of conscrībere to write together in a list, enrol, from scrībere to write

Example Sentences

The last time Chaw Su saw her husband was in March, when he was forcibly conscripted to fight for the army in Myanmar's civil war.

From BBC

He served with the Royal Anglian Regiment for four years and had helped to train Ukrainian conscripts following the Russian invasion in February 2022.

From BBC

The Lebanese group, working in concert with Israeli soldiers, was accused of torturing and killing compatriots, forcibly conscripting males over the age of 15 and uprooting families who refused.

From Los Angeles Times

The drive for younger conscripts has not hit this group of men.

From BBC

Residents said that at least two young men were abducted at gunpoint from their beds and conscripted into a drug cartel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• draftee