Enlist Meaning
/ɛnˈlɪst/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo enter on a list; to enroll; to register.
verbTo voluntarily join a cause or organization, especially military service.
Sentence Examples
Tom decided to enlist in the army.
I need to enlist your help.
Tom's father opposed his decision to enlist in the army.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The general urged young citizens to ____ in the army for their country.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He decided to ____ in the army right after finishing high school.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁én Proto-Italic *en Proto-Italic *en- Latin in- Old French en-bor. Middle English en- English en- English list English enlist From en- + list.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"“The Emperor visited east-central China (江與京洛), and enlisted 400,000 soldiers and 500 Wu ships to cross the seas and go to P’ing-jang, (the Kao-li capital).”"
— 1890, E. H. Parker, “On Race Struggles in Corea”, in Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan, volume XVIII, Tokyo: The Hakubunsha, →OCLC, page 218:
"“I have tried, as I hinted, to enlist the co-operation of other capitalists, but experience has taught me that any appeal is futile that does not impinge directly upon cupidity. […]”"
— 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 4, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad:
"[…] 19.17% are enlisted officers (including cadets and midshipmen with BA degrees and associate degrees, officers Designated Military Occupational Specialty, the enlists converting into conscripts], officers from ROTCs) ; 0.31% are conscripted […]"
— 2006, USA International Business Publications, Taiwan National Security And Defense Law And Regulations Handbook:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The general urged young citizens to ____ in the army for their country.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He decided to ____ in the army right after finishing high school.