enlist

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
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 How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
-ˈli-stē
noun
enlistment noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Outraged, the group enlisted others through social media to find out who the culprit was. Keith Langston, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024 Three years on from escaping Scarlet Witch's spell that trapped the town Westview, New Jersey in an alternate dimension resembling an old TV show, Agatha enlists the help of a new coven of witches (including a game Aubrey Plaza) to take on old enemies and regain her powers. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 The Havana curator Sachie Hernández Machin made sure the art was top-notch and enlisted local muralist Carlos Quintana to transform the patio. Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024 Depp, amid the legal battle, enlisted the help of publicity veteran Melissa Nathan and Heard seemed to quickly fall from public grace. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enlist 

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlist was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near enlist

Cite this Entry

“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

enlist

verb
en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enlist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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