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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

recused past tense, recuse plural, recused plural, recuses singular, recused singular, recuse singular, recusest singular, recusedst singular, recuseth singular

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The judge _____ herself because her cousin was the defendant.

Etymology

From Old French recuser, from Latin recusare ("to decline, object to, refuse").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for recuse

use muse ruse fuse abuse mouse cause house louse pause amuse douse

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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").