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

+scriptLatinto write

+ionLatinact or process

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.