recess
/ˈɹiˌsɛs/ verb C2- To position (something) a distance behind another thing; to set back.
- To make a recess (noun senses 1 and 1.1) in (something). · to recess a wall
- Often preceded by in or into: to inset (something) into a recess or niche. · That gargoyle recesses into the rest of architecture.· Recess the screw so it does not stick out.
- To conceal, to hide.
- To temporarily suspend (a meeting, the proceedings of an official body, etc.).
- To make a recess appointment in respect of (someone).
- Of a meeting, the proceedings of an official body, etc.: to adjourn, to take a break. · Class will recess for 20 minutes.· The meeting was recessed at midday.
- Of an official body: to suspend proceedings for a period of time. · This court shall recess for its lunch break now.· The court recessed early for the weekend.
He/she/it recesses · Past recessed · Past participle recessed · -ing form recessing
Verb forms
- Base form
- recess
- He/she/it
- recesses
- Past
- recessed
- Past participle
- recessed
- -ing form
- recessing
From the library
She kept me in at recess and talked to me.
With tingling nerves but a fixed purpose, I sat in the dark recess of the hut and waited with sombre patience for the coming of its tenant.
Now he halted in the recess of the window.
He had not been more than ten minutes in the drawing-room before he drew Danglars aside into the recess of a bow-window, and, after an ingenious preamble, related to him all his anxieties and cares since his noble father’s departure.
Other matches
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