Words / B2

in-LIST/ɪnˈlɪst/

To enlist is to join the armed forces, or to obtain someone's help: enlist in; enlist the help of. Recruit is a close twin; conscript is forced service. Date the enlistment in the source, then the regiment. Mix-up: enlist vs list; enlist vs enroll/enrol on a course; do not write enlist for a volunteer who only signed a petition.

Meaning

To join the armed forces, or to obtain someone's help (enlist in / enlist help).

Examples

• “Date the enlistment in the source, then the regiment, the history paper said.”
• “They enlisted a statistician, which is the obtain-help sense — still name the task.”

Good to know

enlist in the army; enlist the help / support of. Close: recruit. Contrast: conscript (forced). Trap: list / enrol on a course / a petition. History, citizenship, and business. Join up, or get help — name the force or the helper.

Near in meaning

join up, recruit, sign up

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