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levy

LEV-ee /ˈlɛvi/

verbnounC1GRE

FormalLegalHistorical

(v) to impose (a tax, fee, or fine); (v) to enlist (troops); (n) an act of levying a tax, fee, or fine; (n) a body of troops raised by conscription.

In the military context, 'levy' refers to the act of raising an army, often through conscription or a general call for service. It can also refer to the troops themselves that are raised this way.

The story behind the word. The word 'levy' comes from the Old French 'lever,' meaning 'to raise.' This, in turn, is derived from the Latin 'levare,' meaning 'to lighten' or 'to raise.' The sense of 'raising' troops or taxes has been part of its meaning since the Middle Ages. When a ruler 'levied' an army, they were literally 'raising' a force from the populace.

Word relationships

raise (v): To gather or collect, often used for armies or funds.
impose (v): To force (an unwelcome decision or rule) on someone.
conscript (v): To enroll compulsorily into military service.

abolish (v): To formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution).
remit (v): To cancel or refrain from exacting (a debt or punishment).

Commonly confused with

draft: 'Levy' is a broader term for raising an army (or funds), often with a historical or formal tone, while 'draft' specifically refers to the system of compulsory military service.

Word family

leviable (adjective): capable of being levied.

Collocations

levy troops
levy taxes
a general levy
levy a fine

Example sentences

"The king decided to levy a new army to defend his borders against the invading forces." Historical military action
"The city council voted to levy a special tax on property owners to fund the new infrastructure project." Financial context
"The hastily assembled levy, composed mostly of farmers and merchants, marched to meet the enemy." Referring to the troops

Memory hook

To 'levy' an army is to 'LEVer' it up from the people. Levy = LEVer up

When not to use

While 'levy' is commonly used for taxes, its military meaning specifically refers to raising troops, often by compulsion. Do not use it for voluntary enlistment.

Fun facts

The term 'levy en masse' (French for 'mass levy') refers to the conscription of all able-bodied men for military service, a concept famously used during the French Revolutionary Wars.