enlist

verb

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en·list | \ in-ˈlist

, en- \

enlisted; enlisting; enlists

Definition of enlist

transitive verb

1a : 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)

Other Words from enlist Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about enlist

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Other Words from enlist

enlistee \ in-ˌli-ˈstē

, en- , -ˈli-stē \ noun

enlistment \ in-ˈlis(t)-mənt

, en- \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for enlist

Synonyms

Antonyms

demit

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 The stop comes on the heels of a push by the Biden administration to enlist faith leaders in the effort to promote vaccinations. — Ben Gittleson, ABC News, "Biden to call for states to make all Americans eligible for vaccine by April 19 amid 'concern' over increasing COVID cases," 6 Apr. 2021 Previous efforts by law enforcement to enlist the help of community members had prompted concern that the federal government was trying to spy on minority communities. — New York Times, "Biden Steps Up Federal Efforts to Combat Domestic Extremism," 4 Apr. 2021 Speaking of those fathers, Lincoln rejected Douglas’s attempt to enlist the Founders on the anti-anti-slavery side of antebellum arguments. — Adam J. White, National Review, "This Thanksgiving, Let’s Practice Constitutional Gratitude," 24 Nov. 2020 Worthy added that the need to enlist an additional expert would delay the completion of her own office's report. — Nancy Kaffer, Detroit Free Press, "Expert poses new theory on what really killed woman in Harper Woods jail," 12 Nov. 2020 At the time, Singh felt adrift, unsure of what to do with her life after a failed attempt to enlist in the Air Force. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "The untold story of Alpana Singh, one of America’s only women of color to become a master sommelier," 5 Nov. 2020 Previous British efforts to enlist Merkel’s help to broker a compromise have foundered. — Tim Ross, Bloomberg.com, "Johnson Tells Merkel That Gaps Remain With EU as Time Runs Short," 11 Oct. 2020 Rutte's party won the most seats in last week's election for the lower house of parliament but will need to enlist other parties to gain a majority in the 150-seat legislature. — Mike Corder, Star Tribune, "Dutch coalition talks halted after COVID-19 case, notes slip," 25 Mar. 2021 So, more determined than ever, Olivia and her mom set out fully masked with her wagon and flyers to enlist the help of her community. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Someone San Diego Should Know: Oliva Isaacs," 24 Mar. 2021

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.

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