What does resorted mean?
“Resorted” is the past tense of “resort,” most often used in the phrase “resort to,” meaning to turn to a particular person, method, or action when other options are unavailable or unsuccessful. It often suggests desperation, improvisation, or the use of a method considered extreme or undesirable: “The engineers resorted to digging by hand.” In more formal or literary contexts, “resort to” can simply mean proceed to a course of action, especially an unpleasant one. The word also has the less common meaning of having returned to a place or earlier state. Although it is not restricted by region, its phrasing and slightly formal register make it more characteristic of formal writing than everyday speech.
To turn to or appeal to something as a means of obtaining help or achieving a purpose.
"The government resorted to emergency measures when the talks broke down."
Almost always used in the pattern “resort to” something; it commonly implies that other options have failed or that the chosen measure is extreme.
To proceed to a particular course of action, especially one that is unpleasant or regrettable.
"Rather than negotiate further, the parties resorted to litigation."
This is a more formal and literary use than the basic sense of turning to another option.
To have returned to a place, state, or earlier position.
"After several years abroad, they resorted to their native city."
This sense is less common in modern usage and is mainly found in formal or literary writing.
The phrase “resort to” began with the idea of turning back toward a place or source, but today it usually means turning to a last resort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resorted come from?
The word comes through Old French resorting from the Latin resortus, the past participle of recurrere, meaning “to run back” or “to return.” Its sense of turning to something for help developed through the idea of seeking a source or refuge. The same Latin root underlies related English words such as “recourse,” “resource,” and “recur.”
Related word forms
How resorted is actually used
The commonest pattern is “resort to” followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund: “They resorted to delaying the decision.” The word often implies desperation, improvisation, or the adoption of a less desirable method. It is formal in style and is generally transitive in this construction, although “resort” is also used independently.
Easily confused with resorted
As a verb, “resorted” means turned to something or proceeded to an undesirable course of action; as a rare adjective, it means abandoned or left, especially after being used.