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

Announcers found a fairgoer celebrating her birthday and enlisted all four kids to play a song for her. — Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 18 Aug. 2026

The 2008 financial crisis, the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression, saw the Army enlist about 80,500 active-duty recruits. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Life in wartime for Panettiere’s daughter was certainly not easy — not least because Wladimir enlisted in the Ukrainian army during the all-hands moment when Russia invaded in 2022. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Vigil Season 1, in which Jones’ Silva was enlisted to solve a murder on a navy submarine in Scottish waters, was BAFTA-nominated and won the International Emmy for Best Drama Series in 2021. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 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