verb
enlist
ehn-LIHST
verb
1
To join the armed forces voluntarily.
"He enlisted in the navy right after finishing school."
2
To obtain the help or support of someone.
"She enlisted her neighbours to help paint the community hall."
How to Use Enlist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo sign up for military service, or to recruit someone's help.
Common pairings
enlist in the army
enlist support
enlist the help of
Word Forms
enlisted past tense, enlists plural, enlists singular
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He _____ in the navy right after finishing school.
Etymology
From en- + list, literally "to put on a list".