resort

[ri-zawrt]

verb (used without object)

1. to have recourse for use, help, or accomplishing something, often as a final available option or resource.

   to resort to war.

2. to go, especially frequently or customarily.

   a beach to which many people resort.

noun

1. a place to which people frequently or generally go for relaxation or pleasure, especially one providing rest and recreation facilities for vacationers.

   a popular winter resort.

2. habitual or general going, as to a place or person.

3. use of or appeal to some person or thing for aid, satisfaction, service, etc.; resource.

   to have resort to force;

   a court of last resort.

4. a person or thing resorted to for aid, satisfaction, service, etc.

resort

/ rɪˈzɔːt /

verb

1. (usually foll by to) to have recourse (to) for help, use, etc

   to resort to violence

2. to go, esp often or habitually; repair

   to resort to the beach

noun

1. a place to which many people go for recreation, rest, etc

   a holiday resort

2. the use of something as a means, help, or recourse

3. the act of going to a place, esp for recreation, rest, etc

4. the last possible course of action open to one

Other Word Forms

• resorter noun
• preresort verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of resort¹

First recorded in 1325–75; (for the verb) Middle English resorten, from Old French resortir, from re- re- + sortir “to go out, leave, escape” (perhaps ultimately from Latin sortīrī “to draw lots”); noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of resort¹

C14: from Old French resortir to come out again, from _re- + sortir to emerge

Idioms and Phrases

see last resort.

Example Sentences

Police said workers of TLP "resorted to stone pelting, spiked batons, and petrol bombs" and opened "indiscriminate fire, resulting in casualties among civilians and law enforcement personnel".

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"This is the only legal avenue we have, the only tool we have and we've got to this stage very much as a last resort."

Read more on BBC

She has taken Tylenol a handful of times in pregnancy to treat severe headaches but generally views it as a last resort.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To get to school, market or work in the fields, locals resort to poorly maintained "river buses".

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Diplomats and official delegations had descended on the Red Sea resort town in recent days to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

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Related Words

• camp 
• harbor 
• hideaway 
• hotel 
• inn 
• lodge 
• motel 
• park 
• retreat 
• spot