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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The spread of drones cannot be stopped, but the U.S. can still influence how they are used in the global community — including, someday, seeking recourse should our enemies turn these powerful weapons 180 degrees to target our homeland.
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For years, news organizations have had little recourse but to cede more distribution and advertising dollars to Facebook and Google, even agreeing to give away articles in the hopes the wider digital audience will pay off in the long run.
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Although Brock Turner could not be retried, aggrieved voters still had another recourse: kick Persky out of office.
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But creating heat for schools by going public has been the only real recourse for athletes like Sutton.
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The buffet had closed down five minutes before the group got there, so their only recourse was to go to the pool area and sit at a table for four and order breakfast.
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Danielson’s only current recourse is the $19,299 in restitution ordered from Taylor Kemp, 20, the man convicted of starting the fire.
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In the same site were untold numbers of Yemenis with no recourse to lawyers.
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State attorneys' only recourse now is the U.S. Supreme Court.
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
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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