enlist

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist 

en-

enlisted; enlisting; enlists

transitive verb

1

a

: to secure the support and aid of : employ in advancing an interest

enlist all the available resources

enlisted our help

b

: to win over : attract

trying to enlist my sympathies

2

: to engage (a person) for duty in the armed forces

intransitive verb

1

: to enroll oneself in the armed forces

will enlist for three years

2

: to participate heartily (as in a cause, drive, or crusade)

enlistee

in-ˌli-ˈstē 

en-

-ˈli-stē

noun

enlistment

in-ˈlis(t)-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms

• enroll (in)
• enter
• join
• sign on (for)
• sign up (for)

Examples of enlist in a Sentence

They're enlisting volunteers for an experiment.

We enlisted all available resources.

I enlisted the help of our neighbors.

We enlisted the services of a professional.

They enlisted several new recruits.

After graduating, I enlisted in the navy.

He enlisted in the cause of world peace.

Recent Examples on the Web

To improve her chances of finding a desirable suitor, Daphne enlists the help of family friend Simon Basset, a young duke who agrees to publicly court her in order to create jealousy among her peers and drum up the most attractive prospects. —Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 12 May 2024

Fortson, a native of Atlanta, enlisted after graduating from high school in 2019 and was based at Hurlburt in the Special Operations Wing. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 10 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing enlist

• re-enlist

Kids Definition

enlist

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist 

1

a

: to enroll for military or naval service

especially : to join one of the armed services voluntarily

b

: to participate heartily (as in a cause or drive)

2

: to obtain the help or support of

enlisted their friends in the campaign

enlistment

-ˈlis(t)-mənt 

noun