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

“It’s a beautifully understated resort along arguably the very best beach in Hawaii,” Drew wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Via a Middle East investment company, Assets Group, the Qataris are currently building an exclusive, 40-villa luxury resort there, with an upgraded concrete airstrip capable of receiving executive jets, far from prying eyes.

From BBC

It comes a day after 22 people were injured, two of them seriously, in a Houthi drone attack in the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat.

From BBC

Given the recent rise in police shootings, she said it’s also important that officers have the right training and less-lethal options so they don’t immediately resort to using their guns.

From Los Angeles Times

"In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported," the home ministry statement added.

From BBC

Related Words

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