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

It has also pursued personnel strategies that “minimise domestic political impact”, such as offering bonuses to recruits who volunteer and enlisting foreigners with the promise of citizenship, says Mr Cancian from CSIS.

From BBC

The retailers were among many companies that enlisted Mr. Perez’s services after he and his firms endured government raids, arrests, bankruptcies, indictments and lawsuits, according to interviews, BaronHR client records and court filings.

From New York Times

Following the hack, he enlisted Morgan's help to launder the stolen funds.

From BBC

Detectives enlisted the help of a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to review the three videos who agreed that it was clearly a human in a bear suit.

From Los Angeles Times

On set, Berger enlisted numerous consultants from the Catholic church, who helped with small details, including the characters’ physicality.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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