English vocabulary · B2
Conscript
/ˈkɑːn.skrɪpt/ · v., n.
It means to force someone to join the military by law — not by choice.
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Example sentences
- The country conscripted thousands of young men.
- He was conscripted at eighteen, against his will.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- script — write (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DRAFT — forced military call-up (Legal & government-ordered)
- RECRUIT — bring in new members (Active & voluntary invite)
- ENLIST — sign up to serve (Personal decision to join)
Words with the same root
script — write
- describe — to say what something is like
- prescribe — to officially order a treatment or action
- manuscript — a written document, often by hand
Lesson notes
Conscript. It means to force someone to join the military by law — not by choice.
Similar words are draft, recruit, and enlist. Use conscript when the government forces someone to join, with no choice.
The country conscripted thousands of young men. He was conscripted at eighteen, against his will.
From Latin. con- means together. script- means write. Written together onto the list — that is conscript.