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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

Related Forms:

  • enlistee en·list′ee (en lis′tē, in-; en′lis tē′, in′-) noun

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

enlist Usage Examples

Object

  • help: Mrs Farmer enlisted the help of the Princess of Wales in 1996, who sent the family messages of support.

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.

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.

Preposition: in

  • army: I was enlisted in the ATS army with many fellow women, the year was 1943.
enlist usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"enlist." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/enlist>

APA Style

enlist. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/enlist

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