enlist Hear it!

enlist Definition

en·list (en list, in-)

transitive verb

  1. to enroll for service in some branch of the armed forces
  2. to win the support of; get the help or services of to enlist men in a cause
  3. to get (another's help, support, aid, etc.)

intransitive verb

  1. to join some branch of the armed forces
  2. to join or support a cause or movement: with in

enlist Related Forms
en·list′ee (en listē, in-; en′lis tē, in′-) noun
enlist Synonyms

enlist

v.

  1. To enroll others

    engage, hire, retain, reserve, call up, sign up, recruit, mobilize, induct, register, list, levy, record, initiate, inscribe, employ, place, admit, press into service, draft, conscript, muster, call to arms, incorporate.

    Antonyms refuse*, neglect*, turn away.

  2. To request or secure assistance

    interest, attract, win, procure, induce, obtain, get, secure, engage, oblige, appoint, assign.

    Antonyms shun, avoid*, discourage. *

  3. To enroll oneself

    enter, sign up, volunteer, serve; see join 2, register 4, volunteer 2.

enlist Usage Examples

Object

  • help: Mrs Farmer enlisted the help of the Princess of Wales in 1996, who sent the family messages of support.
  • aid: The major method of collection was to enlist the aid of school children.
  • personnel: Study The study took place in the single US Navy training site for enlisted personnel at Great Lakes, Illinois.
  • cooperation: Them marries and enlist the cooperation when you're our.
  • assistance: We also have enlisted the assistance of the National Security Agency.
  • soldier: Around 22 percent of combat deaths in Iraq have been from reserve units, the rest have been full-time enlisted soldiers.

Preposition: as

  • volunteer: It is hoped to enlist as many volunteers as possible to clear litter in the village.

Preposition: into

  • army: On 25 August 1915, he enlisted into the army at Prince Rupert, BC.

Modifying Another Word

  • originally: The Saxons, originally enlisted to assist in their suppression, may have done their jobs well.
  • quickly: He quickly enlisted the services of the manager at Leeds Road and the club appointed Arthur Fairclough as manager on 26 February, 1920.
  • again: But Mr Powell, the secretary of state, was once again enlisted to smooth the feathers ruffled by his hawkish colleagues.
  • probably: Harry probably enlisted in early 1915 and was assigned to the Welsh Division's Cyclist Company ( service number 249 ).

Infinitive complement

  • fight: Your Loving Brother Albert tells the story of Albert French who ran away from home to enlist to fight in the First World War.
  • help: ARP wardens were enlisted to help protect the general public during an air raid, for example, guiding people to the shelters.

Preposition: in

  • army: I was enlisted in the ATS army with many fellow women, the year was 1943.
  • regiment: Broken-hearted, George abandons his wife and his principles, and enlists in an army regiment bound for Canada.
  • battalion: His army career began in 1899, when he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry.
  • RAF: James and Siegfried enlist in the RAF and leave Darrowby for the duration.
  • force: William did not join the American forces but traveled north to Toronto to enlist in the forces of the British Empire.
  • town: William enlisted in the town in March 1916, going overseas around July.

Browse dictionary entries near enlist

  1. enlightenment
  2. enlightened
  3. enlighten
  4. enlargement
  5. enlarged
  6. enlarge on or upon
  7. enlarge
  8. enlace
  9. enl
  10. enkindle
  1. enlisted
  2. enlistment
  3. enliven
  4. enlivenment
  5. enmesh
  6. enmity
  7. ennead
  8. ennoble
  9. ennoblement
  10. ennui