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

• preresort verb (used without object)
• resorter noun

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

Say you’re on track to move to a resort community in a Sunbelt state with low taxes.

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A win would be the simplest way to avoid resorting to the point differential tiebreaker that could still be in play to decide the No. 1 seed in the West.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ron and Marilyn would often enjoy a dance together at the famous ballroom during breaks from heading up the entertainment at the Empire Hotel in the resort - something they did for 20 years, until 1986.

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Delta Air Lines said cancelations are a last resort and that if a new itinerary no longer fits a passenger’s travel needs, it will provide full and timely refunds to those eligible.

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China’s e-commerce players have invested heavily in the food-delivery sector in recent quarters, resorting to aggressive promotions to capture more market share.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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