recline
- to lean or lie back; rest in a recumbent position.
- to cause to lean back on something; place in a recumbent position.
Origin of recline
Related Words for recline
lounge, sprawl, loll, slope, lie, stretch, tip, lean, slant, rest, list, cant, repose, tilt, heelExamples from the Web for recline
Contemporary Examples of recline
The incidents have sparked wide debate about whether passengers should opt to recline at all.
But of course someone always will recline her seat, like the people in the first row, or the woman in front of me, whom I hate.
Historical Examples of recline
They lifted her into the carriage, and made what arrangements they best could to allow her to recline.
David ElginbrodGeorge MacDonald
To move, stand, or recline in an indolent or relaxed manner.
Scottish Ghost StoriesElliott O'Donnell
Some straw had been spread on the bottom, and on this Caius was directed to recline.
The MermaidLily Dougall
The kettle chooses to sit still on the hob; the eagle to recline on the air.
The Crown of Wild OliveJohn Ruskin
At last I was permitted to get up and recline in fauteuil or on sofa.
Our Home in the Silver WestGordon Stables
recline
- to rest or cause to rest in a leaning position
Word Origin for recline
Word Origin and History for recline
early 15c., from Old French recliner "rest, lay; bend, lean over" (13c.) and directly from Latin reclinare "to bend back, to lean back; cause to lean," from re- "back, against" (see re-) + clinare "to bend," from PIE *klei-n-, suffixed form of *klei "to lean" (see lean (v.)). Related: Reclined; reclining.
Recline is always as strong as lean, and generally stronger, indicating a more completely recumbent position, and approaching lie. [Century Dictionary]