rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -io
Latin

-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -io
  • -ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • -ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

74 / 371
noun

conscription

kun-SKRIP-shun/kənˈskrɪpʃn/

Compulsory enrollment in military service.

The government uses conscription to fill the ranks of its army.

A row of ordinary adult civilians reluctantly queues at an official military enrollment desk, a notice says only DRAFT, compulsory enrollment conveyed by an officer checking attendance, no other text.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+scriptLatinwrite
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Writing names together produces a list or register. Conscription first meant a written record, then enrollment of soldiers, and eventually compulsory military enrollment.

In context

The Scottish Parliament21:25
most not there as volunteers but through conscription or under the threat of conscription.
Motion of Remembrance - 8 November 2018

More examples

  • The new law exempts some medical workers from conscription.
  • Protesters demand an end to military conscription.
  • Without conscription, the armed forces must rely on volunteers.

Forms

conscript verb — To require someone to enter military service.

Similar words

draft
The usual American term for compulsory enrollment in military service.
impressment
Historically involved seizing people, especially sailors, for military service.