Definition of recourse
1a : a turning to someone or something for help or protection settled the matter without recourse to lawb : 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)
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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 of recourse from the Web
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Any message -- direct or indirect -- to the Russian government that the sanctions are up for debate runs the risk of implying that Russia can continue pursuing its expansionist goals in Eastern Europe without recourse.
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The only recourse Saudi Arabia has if Russia fails to meet its current output reduction is to withdraw from the deal.
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At that point your only recourse is to reboot the machine.
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When a man dies, the right to take someone to court for defamation of his character dies with him — leaving little recourse for families like that of Seth Rich.
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Your usual recourse would probably involve a lot of digging through bank statements and bank website pages, or endless hours on the phone with a customer service rep.
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Provided with such functionality, urban space itself becomes capable of performing sorting and ordering operations, including differential exclusions with little or no effective recourse in real time.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recourse'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of recourse
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
RECOURSE Defined for English Language Learners
recourse
playDefinition of recourse for English Language Learners
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: an opportunity or choice to use or do something in order to deal with a problem or situation
RECOURSE Defined for Kids
recourse
playDefinition of recourse for Students
: someone or something that can be turned to for help or protection
Law Dictionary
recourse
playLegal Definition of recourse
1a : 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
Additional Notes on recourse
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.
Learn More about recourse
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See words that rhyme with recourse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recourse Spanish Central: Translation of recourse Nglish: Translation of recourse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of recourse for Arabic speakers
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