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alistar

to enlist

verb ah-lees-TAHR Rare
People & Society Military

Origin: From lista (list), meaning to put on a list — i.e., to register for military service.

Also means

to recruit

Usage Note

Alistar primarily means to enlist or sign up for military service (alistarse en el ejército). The reflexive alistarse also carries the broader meaning 'to get ready' in Latin American Spanish, especially in Colombia and Venezuela: alístate means 'get ready'. In Spain this secondary sense is expressed by prepararse. Learners should recognise both uses but note the regional split.

Examples

"Muchos jóvenes se alistaron al ejército."

Natural Translation

Many young men enlisted in the army.

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