resile

[ ri-zahyl ]

verb (used without object)

, re·siled, re·sil·ing.

1. to spring back; rebound; resume the original form or position, as an elastic body.
2. to shrink back; recoil.

resile

/ rɪˈzaɪl /

verb

1. intr to spring or shrink back; recoil or resume original shape

Derived Forms

• reˈsilement, noun

Other Words From

• re·silement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of resile¹

1520–30; < Middle French resilir < Latin resilīre to spring back; resilient

Word History and Origins

Origin of resile¹

C16: from Old French resilir , from Latin resilīre to jump back, from re- + salīre to jump

Example Sentences

"Though ministers need not resile from previously stated views when directly asked about them, they should exercise discretion and should not take part in the public debate," he said.

From BBC

But he added he did not "resile from my strongly held views" on the conflict.

From BBC

“It’s always with us and gives us strength, strength to serve our country and moral messages which we do not have the right to resile from and will never do so,” said Putin.

From Reuters

But health officials have resiled from trumpeting an “elimination date” when the country is deemed free of the coronavirus.

From The Guardian

And, what is more, Conservatives will be more wary than ever of seeming to resile on their promise to deliver Brexit.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• backfire
• balk
• blanch
• blink
• cringe
• demur
• flinch
• hesitate
• reel
• shudder
• tremble
• turn away
• waver
• wince