Definition

A stubborn refusal to accept or comply with something, often related to religious or political beliefs.

Example

His recusancy to follow the new laws led to significant consequences.

Conversation

I read an article about recusancy in history class today.

Really? What was it about?

It talked about how some people refused to conform to certain rules.

That makes sense; I guess recusancy can be pretty important in social movements.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Recusancy → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "cusa" (from Latin "recusare", meaning to refuse). The word refers to the act of refusing or rejecting something, particularly in a formal context.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'refusing' ('cusa') something 'again' ('re-') — that's why recusancy means the act of refusing.

Visually Confused Words