conscription

[kuhn-skrip-shuhn]

noun

1. compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft.

2. a compulsory contribution of money to a government during a time of war.

conscription

/ kənˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. compulsory military service

Other Word Forms

• conscriptional adjective
• anticonscription noun
• nonconscription noun
• proconscription adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscription¹

First recorded in 1350–1400 for earlier sense “piece of writing”; 1795–1805 for current senses; Middle English conscripcioun, from Latin conscrīptiōn-, stem of conscrīptiō “composition, written record, levy of troops,” equivalent to conscript + -ion

Example Sentences

The bill could also lead to conscription if more troops are needed.

From BBC

Following a lengthening of its mandatory conscription programme, Taiwan has now increased pay and benefits for the military, and introduced more rigorous training.

From BBC

In recent years Sweden and Finland have joined Nato, Baltic countries have reinstated conscription, and Poland has set aside billions to build a barrier alongside its border with Russia.

From BBC

Allegations of violence during forced conscription in Ukraine are not new.

From BBC

The change will also see the period of conscription for teenagers rise from four months to 11 months.

From BBC

Related Words

• enrollment 
• induction