recourse

noun

re·​course ˈrē-ˌkȯrs How to pronounce recourse (audio)
ri-ˈkȯrs
1
a
: a turning to someone or something for help or protection
settled the matter without recourse to law
b
: a source of help or strength : resort
had no recourse left
2
: the right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument (such as a check)

Examples of recourse in a Sentence

The dispute was settled without recourse to law. a toddler quickly learns that a tantrum is a surefire recourse when a polite request for something is met with parental indifference
Recent Examples on the Web So far, the only recourse for people who were injured or for the families of those who died in the fire or ensuing floods has been to sue the federal government — a long, uncertain process. Patrick Lohmann, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2024 Unexpected deactivations without recourse were a problem, too. Tatiana Walk-Morris, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024 Without access to legal representation, people are evicted, lose access to critical services, or face unsafe conditions without recourse. Renee Hsia, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 If parents disagree with anything in the IEP, their recourse is to file a due process complaint with the state, which many families see as daunting and potentially costly. Melanie Asmar, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recourse 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recourse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recours, from Anglo-French recurs, from Late Latin recursus, from Latin, act of running back, from recurrere to run back — more at recur

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recourse was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near recourse

Cite this Entry

“Recourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recourse. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

recourse

noun
re·​course ˈrē-ˌkō(ə)rs How to pronounce recourse (audio)
-ˌkȯ(ə)rs;
ri-ˈkō(ə)rs,
-ˈkȯ(ə)rs
1
: a turning for assistance or protection
have recourse to the law
2
: a source of help or strength : resort

Legal Definition

recourse

noun
1
a
: the act of turning to someone or something for assistance especially in obtaining redress
b
: a means to a desired end especially in the nature of a remedy or justice
also : the end itself
2
: the right or ability to demand payment or compensation
specifically : the right to demand payment from the endorser or drawer of a negotiable instrument see also recourse note at note compare non-recourse

Note: Under Article 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the phrase without recourse on a negotiable instrument limits the liability of the endorser or drawer. If an endorsement states that it is made without recourse, the endorser is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the instrument is dishonored. Similarly, if a draft states that it is drawn without recourse, the drawer is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the draft is dishonored, provided that it is not a check.

More from Merriam-Webster on recourse

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