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enlist

/ɛnˈlɪst/

/ɛnˈlɪst/

IPA guide

Other forms: enlisted; enlisting; enlists

To enlist is to voluntarily join the military. You may have seen television commercials or posters encouraging people to enlist.

There are various ways people end up in the military. Sometimes there's a draft, which selects people whether they want to go or not. Sometimes people enlist, which means they sign up on their own. Enlisting also refers to recruiting or hiring people for some purpose or organization. If you are moving, you might try to enlist your friends to help — good luck with that.

Definitions of enlist
  1. verb
    join the military
    see moresee less
    types:
    conscript
    enroll into service compulsorily
    type of:
    sign up
    join a club, an activity, etc. with the intention to join or participate, "Sign up for yoga classes"
  2. verb
    engage somebody to enter the army
    synonyms: draft, muster in
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    discharge, muster out
    release from military service
    types:
    levy, raise, recruit
    cause to assemble or enlist in the military
    type of:
    enrol, enroll, enter, inscribe, recruit
    register formally as a participant or member
  3. verb
    hire for work or assistance
    synonyms: engage
    see moresee less
    types:
    recruit
    seek to employ
    type of:
    procure, secure
    get by special effort
Pronunciation
US

/ɛnˈlɪst/

UK

/ɛnˈlɪst/

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