recourse

noun re·course \ ˈrē-ˌkȯrs , ri-ˈkȯrs \

|Updated on: 21 Jun 2018

Examples: recourse in a Sentence

Definition of recourse

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)

See recourse defined for English-language learners

See recourse defined for kids

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

Your only recourses once that happens are either to dig it by hand or to spray to kill both of the grasses and start over with fresh Bermuda.

— neil sperry, star-telegram, "Turf troubles? Here's advice to get you in the green again | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 2 May 2018
So, what recourse do passengers have if their pet is hurt or dies aboard a flight?

— matt rocheleau, BostonGlobe.com, "There were 85 pet deaths on flights in 3 years. United had 41 of them," 15 Mar. 2018
The idea of cities using the courts as recourse in the fight against climate change is one that goes back at least to the 1990s, and the plaintiff side mapped out the detailed strategy just a few years ago.

— adam rogers, WIRED, "Can a City Really Sue an Oil Company for Climate Change?," 25 May 2018
When James has the hot hand, the opponents' only recourse is signing the articles of surrender.

— bill livingston, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers 2018: On LeBron James' fadeaway, Boston Celtics' resurgence -- Bill Livingston," 12 May 2018
At any time, a Nissan Skyline-importer can be caught and have their car taken away with zero recourse.

— devin holody, Ars Technica, "A beginner’s guide to the world of weird and wonderful Japanese import cars," 26 Apr. 2018
The requirement that the judiciary committee leaders be notified in advance of such maneuvers is to give Congress some opportunity to take recourse - including potential impeachment - to prevent a special counsel from being terminated without cause.

— mike debonis, BostonGlobe.com, "Senate panel advances bill to protect Mueller from firing," 26 Apr. 2018
There was at last clear evidence to support a notion of privacy as a social good rather than an individual right — and, finally, a way to talk about why privacy matters without recourse to sensationalism.

— gideon lewis-kraus, New York Times, "Facebook and the ‘Dead Body’ Problem," 24 Apr. 2018
Of Tesla's $10 billion of total debt outstanding, about $3 billion is non-recourse, most of which comes from SolarCity.

— bloomberg, latimes.com, "Hidden by Model 3 mess, Tesla's debt problem is about to emerge," 6 Apr. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

recourse Synonyms

Synonyms

expedient, resort, resource;

Related Words

hope, opportunity, possibility, relief;

makeshift, replacement, stopgap, substitute;

RECOURSE Defined for English Language Learners

recourse

noun

Definition of recourse for English Language Learners

: an opportunity or choice to use or do something in order to deal with a problem or situation

RECOURSE Defined for Kids

recourse

noun re·course \ ˈrē-ˌkȯrs \

Definition of recourse for Students

: someone or something that can be turned to for help or protection

Law Dictionary

recourse

noun re·course \ ˈrē-ˌkōrs, ri-ˈkōrs \

legal Definition of recourse

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.