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 of enlist

• join
• enroll (in)
• enter
• rejoin
• 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

So the pair enlisted legendary singers like Tina Turner and Macy Gray to lay down takes, but Davis was after a different, newer sound. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Apple enlisted one of the nation’s top law firms to represent it in the case, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Instead, the filmmaker enlisted an unprecedented nine different composers to score separate orchestrations for the fake movies of Behemoth! — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

With Citizens Bank Park expected to provide a hitter-friendly backdrop, Harper's decision to enlist Ebel as his derby pitcher could prove to be one of the more intriguing storylines of All-Star Week. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing enlist

• re-enlist

Rhymes for enlist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• exist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist
• resist

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