recalcitrate

English

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈkælsɪtɹeɪt/

Verb

recalcitrate (third-person singular simple present recalcitrates, present participle recalcitrating, simple past and past participle recalcitrated)

1. (intransitive) To kick back; to kick against anything.
   • 1837, Thomas Carlyle, The French Revolution: A History […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: Chapman and Hall, →OCLC, (please specify the book or page number):

     [The National Assembly] has to hear of innumerable fresh revolts, Brigand expeditions; of Chateaus in the West, especially of Charter-chests, Chartiers, set on fire; for there too the overloaded Ass frightfully recalcitrates.

2. (transitive, by extension) To express repugnance or opposition.
   • 1840, Thomas De Quincey, Society of the Lakes:

     The more one was indignant at being the object of such a man's contempt, the more heartily did one disdain his disdain, and recalcitrate his kicks.

Related terms

• recalcitrant

Latin

Verb

recalcitrāte

1. second-person plural present active imperative of recalcitrō