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 Many consumers might glance over these labels, but there can be real consequences to having a deepfake of someone stored on servers in countries such as China, Russia, or Belarus where there is no real recourse for victims of deepfake abuse. Alexandru Voica, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 Generally speaking, the public’s only recourse after an approved zoning change is to challenge whether the city or town gave proper notice, said Ray Oujesky, an attorney with the firm Kelly Hart, which has handled several zoning cases in Fort Worth. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2024 The protocol implements judicial rulings on-chain, allowing legal recourse for fraudulent or mistaken transactions without resorting to centralization or intermediaries. Victoria Chynoweth, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The essence of risk management encourages business owners to weigh their options judiciously, challenging the notion that buying insurance is the only recourse. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Shouldering the weight of the situation without recourse to sentiment became the hardest trial of Glazer’s career. Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2024 Klimek: Sojourner Truth’s family had no legal recourse when her siblings were sold away into slavery. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 There’s not much recourse for Embiid or Haliburton. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Democrats control 51 seats, including three Democratic-leaning independents, meaning Republicans would have little recourse if the majority remains united. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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