enlist

play

verb en·list \ in-ˈlist , en- \

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

Instead, the Russian supermodel enlists her chicest friends like Doutzen Kroes, Karlie Kloss and Natasha Poly to work booths at a carnival-like soiree.

— chrissy rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "Natalia Vodianova to Throw The Chicest Halloween Bash in NYC," 7 Aug. 2017
Processing Power The idea of enlisting computers to help inform medical diagnoses is not new.

— dina fine maron, Scientific American, "Sophisticated Digital Aids Could Help Determine What Ails You," 24 July 2017
Giselle dies of grief and is enlisted by the vengeful Wilis, a ghostly army of unmarried maidens who haunt the forests, dancing to death any male mortal who crosses their path.

— kathleen luppi, Daily Pilot, "Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company to make rare West Coast visit with 'Giselle' in Costa Mesa," 20 July 2017
Tracy Reese, a designer known for creating Michelle Obama’s dress for the Democratic National Convention in 2012, is one brand that recently enlisted Gwynnie Bee’s help to create a new plus-size collection.

— The Economist, "The forgotten majorityThe fashion industry pays attention to plus-size women," 13 July 2017
Transgender people were supposed to be allowed to enlist on July 1 this year, but the day before the deadline Defense Secretary Jim Mattis deferred the decision for another 6 months.

— alex daugherty and vera bergengruen, miamiherald, "Republicans fail in last-ditch push to ban medical treatments for transgender troops," 13 July 2017
The manuscript, which contains three medical texts, will be enlisted among the oldest and the most important manuscripts in the world.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "Text by 'Father of Medicine' Found in Remote Egyptian Monastery," 11 July 2017
The legendary Alabama football coach enlisted in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor, putting his coaching career on hold to fight in War World II.

— josh bean | jbean@al.com, AL.com, "The prominent Alabama athletes who defended America's freedom," 4 July 2017
The Cut enlisted photographers Molly SJ Lowe and Rémi Procureur to get an exclusive look at two of the newest additions to couture week.

— rémi procureur, The Cut, "Go Backstage at Proenza Schouler and Rodarte’s First Couture Shows," 3 July 2017

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

play

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

play

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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for 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 Defined for English Language Learners

enlist

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enlist

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enlistment

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