enlist
UK[ɪnˈlɪst]US[ɪnˈlɪst]
v
to join the armed forces
v
to persuade someone to help you or to join you in doing something
v
to get something such as help, support, or sympathy from someone
Morpheme Breakdown
en
list
en
cause to be
list
enroll
Etymology
the word 'enlist' is a compound formed from the prefix 'en-' and the verb 'list'. the prefix 'en-', derived from latin 'in-', carries the causative sense of 'to put into' or 'to cause to be'. the core element 'list' originates from a middle english term meaning to enroll or choose, particularly for military service, tracing back to germanic roots. the literal combination, 'to cause to be on a list', evolved into the modern abstract meanings of voluntarily joining a military force or actively securing aid and participation. this semantic shift reflects the transition from the concrete act of inscribing a name on a roster to the broader concepts of commitment and recruitment.
Analysis
Structure: en (cause to be) + list (enroll)
en (from old french, ultimately from latin 'in-', a prefix meaning 'in, into, to cause to be'); list (from middle english 'listen' meaning to enlist, enroll, or enlist for military service, of germanic origin).
Examples
he decided to enlist in the navy after graduating.
we need to enlist the support of local businesses for the community project.
she managed to enlist her brother's help in moving the furniture.