Enlisted
/ɪnˈlɪstɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo enroll or be enrolled in the armed forces; to join the military.
/ɪnˈlɪstɪd/
To enroll or be enrolled in the armed forces.
After high school, she enlisted in the Marines.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to be a soldier or sailor. Enlisting means you sign up and join the army, navy, or other military branch. It's like signing up for a club, but a very important one!
👶 For kids: Joining the army or navy or air force. You sign up to be a soldier!
More Examples
Many young men enlisted to fight in the war.
He enlisted as a private and eventually became a sergeant.
How It's Used
"He enlisted in the army at the age of 18."
To secure the support or cooperation of someone or something; to engage.
/ɪnˈlɪstɪd/
To secure the support and cooperation of; to engage.
The school enlisted volunteers for the fundraising event.
💡 Simply: Sometimes you need help with a project or task. Enlisting someone means you ask them to join in and give you a hand, like asking your friends to help you build a fort. It can be to get help in business, support in politics, or help with any other type of project.
👶 For kids: Asking people to help you with something.
More Examples
The detective enlisted the help of an informant.
They enlisted local businesses to sponsor the event.
How It's Used
"The company enlisted the help of a marketing firm."
"The campaign enlisted the support of several celebrities."
From Middle English *enlisten*, from Old English *ālystan* ('to list, enroll'), influenced by Old French *enliste* ('to enroll').
Historically, "enlist" was also used more generally to list or enroll someone or something, even before the context of military service became dominant. The meaning evolved through the 18th and 19th centuries as armies became increasingly professional.
Memory tip
Think of a list: you put your name on the list to become part of the military.