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

In November 2024, the resort’s owner announced the ranch would become a “textile” park, meaning clothing would be mandatory on all of the property as of Jan. 6.

From Los Angeles Times

He teamed with real estate developers Emaar Properties to build hotels and resorts in seven cities around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

With rising costs of rights deals being passed onto to fans at home - and compounded by the need for subscriptions to multiple platforms showing different matches - some have resorted to illegal streams.

From BBC

Using diplomatic coalitions, and trade diversification is India's best bet to "build pressure" on Washington, he says, keeping the option of targeted retaliation only as a measure of last resort.

From BBC

"Can he placate the protesters and bring an end to rolling demonstrations, while not resorting to excessive state violence or repression? This is the question."

From BBC

Related Words

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