WordValerecuse
to withdraw from a case due to a conflict of interest
In more detail
1. (verb) to disqualify oneself as a judge or official from a case because of a conflict of interest or bias
2. (verb) to ask or require someone to disqualify themselves from a position or decision
Examples
- 1. The judge decided to recuse herself from the trial because she knew the defendant personally.
- 2. The committee asked him to recuse himself due to his financial ties to the company.
How to use recuse
Recuse is primarily used in legal and official contexts to describe the formal process of a judge, official, or decision-maker withdrawing from proceedings due to a conflict of interest or perceived bias. It is more formal and legalistic than general synonyms like 'withdraw' or 'step aside', and emphasizes the ethical or legal obligation to do so rather than a voluntary choice.
Common phrases
- recuse oneself
- recuse a judge
- motion to recuse
- grounds to recuse
- recuse from a case
Synonyms
disqualify · exclude · remove oneself · withdraw · step aside
Opposites
participate · engage
Word family
recusal (noun) · recused (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'recuse' intransitively without 'oneself' when referring to self-disqualification (e.g., 'the judge recused' instead of 'the judge recused himself/herself'), or confuse it with 'excuse' due to similar pronunciation.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD