recuse
recuse Lexical Profile
recuse Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To excuse oneself from a legal case, official duty, or decision-making role because of a potential conflict of interest or lack of impartiality.
"The judge decided to recuse herself from the trial after realizing she held stock in the defendant's company."
To challenge or object to a judge, juror, or official as being unqualified to perform a legal duty due to prejudice or conflict of interest.
"Defense counsel filed a formal motion to recuse the prosecutor on the grounds of prior personal involvement in the dispute."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern legal and political usage, 'recuse' is most frequently used reflexively with 'oneself' (e.g., "the judge recused herself from the case").
• Rhymes for recuse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Anglo-French and Old French 'recuser', from Latin 'recusare' meaning "to make an objection against, decline, or refuse," composed of 're-' (against) and 'causa' (cause or reason).