enlist (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈlɪst/

Definition

To join the armed forces voluntarily, or to persuade someone to join the armed forces or to help with a task.

Examples

• Many young people decided to enlist after the call for volunteers.

• The recruiter tried to enlist new recruits by explaining the benefits of military service.

• We need to enlist the help of local residents to clean up the park.

How to Use enlist

enlist in (prepositional phrase)

To join a particular branch of the military or a specific group. — "He decided to enlist in the Navy right after high school."

enlist someone's help (collocation)

To ask for and get someone's assistance. — "Could you enlist your brother's help with moving this furniture?"

enlist the support of (collocation)

To gain the backing or agreement of a person or group. — "The charity worked hard to enlist the support of local businesses."

Synonyms of enlist

Words with a similar meaning to enlist:

• join
• recruit
• volunteer
• conscript

Antonyms of enlist

Words with the opposite meaning to enlist:

• discharge
• desert

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