backdoor draft
Definition of backdoor draft
US
: the recall of military personnel to active duty or the extension of active military duty beyond the originally contracted time in order to maintain troop strength The Guard and the Reserve have been turned into almost active duty, and you have what is a backdoor draft that has been put into effect. — John Kerry, quoted in Federal News Service, 2 June 2004
Explore Merriam-Webster
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
2003
First Known Use of backdoor draft
2003
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up backdoor draft? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!