conscription
kuhn-SKRIP-shuhn
/kənˈskrɪpʃən/
Compulsory enlistment for state service, typically into the armed forces; the draft.
Implies a mandatory, legally enforced system of enlistment, as opposed to voluntary recruitment.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'conscriptionem', meaning 'a writing down together' or 'enlistment'. It refers to the historical practice of writing down a list of citizens' names on a master roll to draft them into compulsory military service.
Word relationships
- the draft: 'The draft' is the common, colloquial term used in the US, while conscription is the more formal and international term.
- compulsory service: Compulsory service can include non-military public work, whereas conscription almost always refers to military service.
- voluntary enlistment: Voluntary enlistment is choosing to join the military of one's own free will, whereas conscription is legally mandated.
Commonly confused with
- subscription: Subscription is a voluntary agreement to pay for or receive something regularly, while conscription is a mandatory draft.
Word family
- conscript (noun / verb): A person who is drafted; to draft someone into military service.
Collocations
- military conscription
- introduce conscription
- avoid conscription
Example sentences
- "The introduction of conscription in 1863 led to violent draft riots in New York City." A history of the American Civil War.
- "Several countries still maintain a policy of mandatory conscription for all young citizens." A discussion on national defense policies.
Memory hook
Conscription is when the government 'scribes' (writes) your name on the 'con' (compulsory) list. Names written down for the draft.
When not to use
Do not use for voluntary sign-ups or career military enlistment.
Fun facts
- The first modern state conscription system was established during the French Revolution in 1793, known as the 'levée en masse'.
Related words
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