What does enlist mean?
Enlist is a verb with two closely related meanings. Its primary sense refers to formally enrolling oneself in a military force or similar organised body, as in 'he enlisted at eighteen'. By extension, it also means to recruit or secure someone's help or support for a cause, project, or undertaking, as in 'they enlisted her expertise'. The word carries connotations of commitment, duty, and voluntary action, though it can occasionally apply to conscription depending on context. Derived from the idea of placing a name on a list, enlist has been part of English since the early modern period. It is common in both formal and informal registers, appearing frequently in military, civic, and organisational contexts. Related forms include enlistment (the act or period of service) and enlisted (as in enlisted personnel).
verbTo enrol or sign up for service, especially in the armed forces; also, to secure the help or support of someone for a task or cause.
- To join or enrol in a military or other organized service
- To engage or secure the aid, support, or participation of someone
"She decided to enlist in the navy after finishing school."
"Thousands of young men rushed to enlist after war was declared."
"The charity enlisted local volunteers to distribute supplies."
The word 'enlist' literally means to be put on a list — joining an army once meant having your name written down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enlist
Enlist derives from the prefix 'en-' (from Old French, ultimately Latin 'in-') combined with 'list', referring to a border, strip, or register of names. It entered English in the 17th century, originally meaning to place a name on a list, particularly for military service. Cognate forms appear in other European languages that borrowed similar French constructions.
Related word forms
How enlist is actually used
Commonly used with the preposition 'in' when referring to military service. The figurative sense of securing help is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily confused with enlist
'Inlist' is an obsolete variant spelling of 'enlist' and is not used in modern English.