Enlist
/ɪnˈlɪst/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo enroll or be enrolled in the armed forces or another service.
/ɪnˈlɪst/
To enroll or be enrolled in the armed forces.
He decided to enlist in the navy after college.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to join the army or navy. To do that, you have to 'enlist' – it's like signing up for a special team!
👶 For kids: To join the army or the navy.
More Examples
She was eager to enlist and serve her country.
Thousands of people enlist every year.
How It's Used
"Many young people enlist in the army after graduating high school."
To secure the support and help of someone or something; recruit.
/ɪnˈlɪst/
To secure the support and help of; recruit.
The organization enlisted the help of local businesses.
💡 Simply: When you need help with a big project, you might 'enlist' the help of your friends or family - like asking them to join your team!
👶 For kids: To ask people for help.
More Examples
They enlisted experts to advise them on the project.
We enlisted volunteers to clean up the park.
How It's Used
"The charity is enlisting volunteers to help with the fundraising event."
"The company enlisted a marketing firm to help with their branding."
Idioms & expressions
enlist someone's aid
To ask for and get someone's assistance or help.
"The detective enlisted the aid of a forensic scientist to solve the case."
enlist the services of
To hire or contract the skills of someone or an organization.
"The company enlisted the services of a consulting firm to improve efficiency."
From Middle English *enlisten*, from Old French *enlester* (to register, enroll), from *liste* (list, roll), of Germanic origin (related to Dutch *lijst* and German *Leiste*).
Historically, the word has been used to describe joining the military since the 17th century and later broadened to encompass seeking assistance or support.
Memory tip
Think of making a *list* of people who are going to serve in the military.