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

Manufacturers continued to reduce staff by leaving open jobs unfilled or resorting to layoffs in some cases.

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It’s a glamorous picture of her grandparents on their honeymoon at a ski resort in Mussolini’s Italy in 1941, even as “war raged all over Europe.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Experts say wolves attack humans or livestock only as a last resort when they are starving, preferring less dangerous prey such as small antelopes.

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China’s e-commerce players have invested heavily in the industry and have resorted to aggressive promotions to capture more market share.

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Staff working on the construction designs for the Red Sea Project say hotel rooms in various resorts will be equipped with elaborate minibars.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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