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Enlisting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enlisting

[ɪnˈlɪstɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

military

To enroll or be enrolled in the armed services.

Synonyms

enroll, join, recruit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlisting

Typically used in a military setting when someone signs up for military service.

  • He is thinking about enlisting in the army.
  • She enlisted in the navy right after high school.
enroll

Commonly used when signing up for courses, schools, or programs.

  • She decided to enroll in a cooking class.
  • He enrolled in university last fall.
recruit

Used when bringing new members into an organization or group. Often used in professional, military, or sports contexts.

  • The company is looking to recruit new engineers.
  • They recruited several volunteers for the event.
join

Generally used to describe becoming part of a group, organization, or activity. It is more versatile and informal than the other words.

  • Would you like to join us for dinner?
  • He joined the local football team.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to enlist in the army.
  • She enlisted in the navy after graduating college.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To secure the support or help of someone.

Synonyms

engage, enlist the support of, recruit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlisting

Typically used in a military or organized group context, where someone is signing up or being signed up for service.

  • He is enlisting in the army next month
  • The organization is enlisting volunteers for the upcoming event
engage

Used in various contexts to indicate involvement or participation, often in a more general or interactive sense.

  • They plan to engage the community in the new project
  • The teacher tried different methods to engage the students in the lesson
enlist the support of

This is a more formal phrase typically used when someone is seeking help or assistance from others for a specific purpose.

  • The team decided to enlist the support of local businesses for their charity run
  • She enlisted the support of her friends to organize the surprise party
recruit

Often used in business and organizational contexts when talking about hiring new employees or members. It sometimes also applies to the military.

  • The company plans to recruit new engineers next quarter
  • They are recruiting volunteers for the disaster relief effort

Examples of usage

  • The organization successfully enlisted the help of volunteers.
  • They enlisted the services of a professional to assist with the project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the early 15th century, relating to the action of adding someone to a list.
  • Originally used mainly in military contexts, where soldiers would be 'enlisted' into an army.
  • The practice of enlisting troops can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where leaders would command their populations to serve during wars.

Military Significance

  • Enlisting in the military generally involves a formal commitment, which may come with challenges and responsibilities.
  • During World War I and II, many countries employed conscription, requiring citizens to enlist for service.
  • The process of enlisting often includes physical examinations, background checks, and agreeing to serve for a certain period.

Cultural Context

  • Movies and books often depict the enlisting process as a rite of passage, highlighting themes of courage and camaraderie.
  • Community service enlisting has gained popularity, allowing people to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
  • In modern contexts, enlisting can apply to various volunteer groups, not just military, such as non-profits and environmental organizations.

Psychological Aspects

  • Enlisting in any group can foster a sense of belonging, helping individuals feel part of something larger than themselves.
  • The decision to enlist can stem from various motivations, including patriotism, personal growth, or the desire to help others.
  • Research shows that teamwork and bonding during enlistment can enhance mental resilience and provide strong social support.

Education and Skill Development

  • Many enlistment programs offer training in various skills, preparing individuals for specialized roles in their field.
  • Educational benefits are often included with military enlistment, allowing individuals to pursue higher education after service.
  • Leadership skills are honed through the enlisting process, often translating into civilian life and career advancements.

Origin of 'enlisting'

The word 'enlist' originated from the Dutch word 'enlisten', meaning 'to engage or enroll'. It was first recorded in the 17th century and was initially used in a military context. Over time, the word expanded to also include securing support or help from someone in a general sense.

See also: enlist, glisten, listable, listed, listen, listers, listing, listless, sublist.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,606, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.