Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 Recalcitrate /(rē̇*kăl"sĭ*trāt)/ · Re·cal·ci·trate · IPA /ɹɪˈkælsɪtɹeɪt/ v. t. v. i. 01 v. t. To kick against; to show repugnance to; to rebuff. 1. To kick against; to show repugnance to; to rebuff. “The more heartily did one disdain his disdain, and recalcitrate his tricks.” — De Quincey. 02 v. i. To kick back; to kick against anything; hence, to express repugnance or opposition. 1. To kick back; to kick against anything; hence, to express repugnance or opposition.