recoup

[ ri-koop ]

verb (used with object)

1. to get back the equivalent of:

   to recoup one's losses by a lucky investment.

   Synonyms: balance, retrieve, restore, recover

2. to regain or recover.
3. to reimburse or indemnify; pay back:

   to recoup a person for expenses.

   Synonyms: remunerate, recompense

4. Law. to withhold (a portion of something due), having some rightful claim to do so.

verb (used without object)

1. to get back an equivalent, as of something lost.
2. Law. (of a defendant in a lawsuit) to plead that one is owed, in the same matter, an amount by the plaintiff which applies against the payment of one’s own debt to the plaintiff.

noun

1. an act of recouping.

recoup

/ rɪˈkuːp /

verb

1. to regain or make good (a financial or other loss)
2. tr to reimburse or compensate (someone), as for a loss
3. law to keep back (something due), having rightful claim to do so; withhold; deduct

Derived Forms

• reˈcoupable, adjective
• reˈcoupment, noun

Other Words From

• re·coup·a·ble adjective
• re·coup·ment noun
• non·re·coup·a·ble adjective
• un·re·coup·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recoup¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French recouper “to cut back, cut again,” equivalent to re- re- ( def ) + couper “to cut”; coup ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of recoup¹

C15: from Old French recouper to cut back, from re- + couper to cut, from coper to behead; see coup ¹

Example Sentences

Kim is not thought to be broke just yet, but he will be soon, as movie studios seek to recoup $100m in copyright fees.

From The Daily Beast

They might front the money if they believe in a new model and think she will be able to recoup the costs.

From The Daily Beast

“In the most extreme cases, the abusive party is able to recoup irrespective of the cost,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

According to the Washington Post, the government was looking to recoup $385 million of Katrina, Rita, and Wilma aid money.

From The Daily Beast

Surely then we can safely raise their taxes, and count on them to work harder to recoup their losses?

From The Daily Beast

How I was going to recoup myself for the double cost afterwards I didn't know.

From Project Gutenberg

But you dont mention your game of cards with Chevalier Desfleurets; did you recoup your losses?

From Project Gutenberg

Here was a chance to recoup himself, in some small part, for the loss of his cabin and supplies.

From Project Gutenberg

With that amount, Otto, you know I can recoup all these terrible losses, and in less than a year all will be repaid.

From Project Gutenberg

These losses, though deplorable, were not vital while the Russian armies still retained power to retaliate and recoup.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compensate
• get back
• redeem
• refund
• regain
• reimburse
• repay
• win back