resile
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to spring back; rebound; resume the original form or position, as an elastic body.
-
to shrink back; recoil.
verb
Other Word Forms
- resilement noun
Etymology
Origin of resile
1520–30; < Middle French resilir < Latin resilīre to spring back; resilient
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Though ministers need not resile from previously stated views when directly asked about them, they should exercise discretion and should not take part in the public debate," he said.
From BBC • Oct. 3, 2024
But he added he did not "resile from my strongly held views" on the conflict.
From BBC • Jan. 24, 2024
We've also seen him resile from some of the threats or claims he made during the campaign...
From BBC • Dec. 16, 2016
The strict dictionary definition of "resile" is "draw back, recoil . . . return to its original position as an elastic body."
From Time Magazine Archive
He was instructed that he must resign both, or neither; resigned both; fell out with the Consuls on details; and is now, as we are advised, seeking to resile from his resignations.
From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 18 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
