# enlist

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɛnˈlɪst/ · frequency rank #17,833

## Definitions
1. To enter on a list; to enroll; to register.
2. To voluntarily join a cause or organization, especially military service.
3. To recruit the aid or membership of others.
4. To secure; to obtain.

## Etymology
From en- + list.

## Easily confused with
- **exist** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/enlist-vs-exist)
- **Ennis** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/enlist-vs-ennis)
- **Ellis** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ellis-vs-enlist)
- **Elise** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/elise-vs-enlist)
- **Elisa** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/elisa-vs-enlist)
- **Elliot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/elliot-vs-enlist)
- **English** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/english-vs-enlist)

## Common misspellings (9)
`elnist`, `enilst`, `enlisst`, `enlistt`, `enlits`, `enllist`, `enlsit`, `ennlist`, `nelist`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/enlist