verb
recuse
rih-KYOOZ
Recuse (verb) means to step aside from a decision or case because of a conflict of interest. Example: “The judge recused herself because her cousin was the defendant.”
verb
1
To step aside from a decision or case because of a conflict of interest.
"The judge recused herself because her cousin was the defendant."
"He recused himself from the vote since he owned shares in the company."
How to use recuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo remove yourself from a decision because you're too personally involved to be fair.
When to use it
Mostly a formal/legal term, used for judges, jurors, and officials.
Common pairings
recuse oneself
recuse a judge
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- recuses
- Past tense
- recused
- Archaic forms
- recusest, recusedst, recuseth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge _____ herself because her cousin was the defendant.
Etymology
From Old French recuser, from Latin recusare ("to decline, object to, refuse").
Rhymes for recuse
See all rhymes for recuse →Frequently asked questions
What does “recuse” mean?
The word “recuse” means to step aside from a decision or case because of a conflict of interest. In plain terms, to remove yourself from a decision because you're too personally involved to be fair.
How do you pronounce “recuse”?
“Recuse” is pronounced rih-KYOOZ (/ɹiˈkjuz/ in IPA).
How do you use “recuse” in a sentence?
Here is “recuse” used in a sentence: “The judge recused herself because her cousin was the defendant.”
What part of speech is “recuse”?
“Recuse” is a verb.
Where does the word “recuse” come from?
The word “recuse” comes from Latin. From Old French recuser, from Latin recusare ("to decline, object to, refuse").
