enlist

verb en·list \ in-ˈlist , en- \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of enlist

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

play \in-ˌli-ˈstē, en-, -ˈli-stē\ noun

—

enlistment

play \in-ˈlis(t)-mənt, en-\ noun

See enlist defined for English-language learners

See enlist defined for kids

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 of enlist from the Web

In 1868, Dunn was enlisted to run as lieutenant governor on the ticket of 25-year-old Henry Clay Warmoth.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "The greatest black Louisiana politician you've probably never heard of," 5 Apr. 2018
The lawmakers want outside agencies, such as the Auditors of Public Accounts, to be enlisted to help in that inquiry.

— jon lender, courant.com, "Jon Lender: Unpaid Suspensions Imposed In Lottery Drawing Snafu," 23 Mar. 2018
He was enlisted at the last minute after officials rejected the pro-democracy camp's marquee candidate for her party's political platform.

— Fox News, "Hong Kong pro-democracy movement loses ground in by-election," 11 Mar. 2018
It was enlisted in the battle against cancer and treatment of fevers, constipation, and gout.

— sherri becker, Philly.com, "Medical mystery: Dental pain that grew agonizing, then deadly," 5 Mar. 2018
Mercury, a prominent public affairs firm, was enlisted by Gates to help with the lobbying.

— chris megerian, latimes.com, "Dozens race to register as foreign lobbyists since start of Mueller inquiry, fearful of Manafort's fate," 2 Mar. 2018
The Aluminaire House was built in 1931 when Frey was enlisted by the firm of A. Lawrence Kocher to design a house for the Architectural and Allied Arts Exposition in New York.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "First American Project by Desert Modernism Architect to be Rebuilt in Palm Springs," 23 Feb. 2018
Over the centuries the monster has been enlisted as an avatar for other sorts of change.

— The Economist, "Frankenstein: the monster that never dies," 17 Feb. 2018
The firm was enlisted to help the city further after Hurricane Harvey flooded the Katy area.

— karen zurawski, Houston Chronicle, "Katy seeks voter approval of bonds to reduce flooding," 13 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enlist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of enlist

1599

ENLIST Defined for English Language Learners

enlist

verb

Definition of enlist for English Language Learners

: to get the support and help of (someone or something)
: to get (help, support, sympathy, etc.) from someone
: to sign up (a person) for duty in the army, navy, etc.

ENLIST Defined for Kids

enlist

verb en·list \ in-ˈlist \

Definition of enlist for Students

enlisted; enlisting

1 : to join the armed forces as a volunteer

2 : to get the help of

Let's enlist our family in painting the house.

—

enlistment

\-mənt\ noun

Learn More about enlist

Spanish Central: Translation of enlist Nglish: Translation of enlist for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enlist for Arabic speakers

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enlist

Definition of enlist

enlistee

enlistment

Examples of enlist in a Sentence

Recent Examples of enlist from the Web

First Known Use of enlist

ENLIST Defined for English Language Learners

enlist

Definition of enlist for English Language Learners

ENLIST Defined for Kids

enlist

Definition of enlist for Students

enlistment

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enlist

Definition of enlist

enlistee

enlistment

Examples of enlist in a Sentence

Recent Examples of enlist from the Web

First Known Use of enlist

ENLIST Defined for English Language Learners

enlist

Definition of enlist for English Language Learners

ENLIST Defined for Kids

enlist

Definition of enlist for Students

enlistment

Learn More about enlist

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