recuse
To remove oneself from a decision due to conflict of interest or bias
Examples
In a meeting
“The CEO recused herself from voting on the vendor contract since her brother works there.”
Over coffee
“I should probably recuse myself from judging the contest since my niece entered.”
Why this word
withdraw
recuse specifically means to disqualify oneself from a legal or official proceeding due to conflict of interest, while withdraw is generic removal
excuse
recuse is a formal legal term for self-removal from a case, while excuse simply means to release from obligation
abstain
recuse implies removal from decision-making authority entirely, while abstain means choosing not to vote while remaining involved
Usage tip
Use when someone voluntarily steps aside from a decision to maintain impartiality; shows ethical awareness.
Etymology
Latin 'recusare' (re- 'back' + causari 'to give reason, plead')
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Related words
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something
severability
The legal principle that if one part of a contract is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings
culpable
Deserving blame or held responsible for wrongdoing
probative
Serving to test, prove, or demonstrate something, especially as evidence