enlist

To choose to join the army or another organization or cause.

• He wants to enlist in the army.
• She enlisted when she was eighteen.
• Thousands enlisted during the war.

How to use it: enlist in something (She enlisted in the navy after leaving school.); enlist as something (He enlisted as a volunteer.)

Similar words: join, sign up

Common phrases: enlist in something, enlist as something, enlist in the army

To get help or support from someone.

• She enlisted her brother's help.
• We enlisted support from several local businesses.
• The team enlisted the services of an experienced guide.

How to use it: enlist the help/support of someone (They enlisted the help of a local lawyer.)

Similar words: obtain, secure

Common phrases: enlist someone's help, enlist support, enlist someone's services

To persuade people to join a group or help with an activity.

• We need to enlist more volunteers.
• She enlisted her friends to help paint the room.
• The club enlisted twenty new members last month.

How to use it: enlist someone to do something (We enlisted a neighbor to help carry the boxes.); enlist someone in something (They enlisted local volunteers in the campaign.)

Similar words: recruit

Common phrases: enlist volunteers, enlist new members, enlist someone to help