recidivism

noun

re·​cid·​i·​vism ri-ˈsi-də-ˌvi-zəm 

: a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior

especially : relapse into criminal behavior

Did you know?

The re- in recidivism is the same re- in relapse and return, and like those words recidivism is about going back: it’s a tendency to relapse, especially into criminal behavior. Recidivism is a 19th century French borrowing that’s ultimately from a Latin word meaning “to relapse into sin or crime.” In borrowing recidivism, English was itself engaging in a kind of recidivism: the same Latin source of recidivism had been nabbed in the 16th century to form the much less common recidivate, meaning “to fall into or exhibit recidivism.”

Examples of recidivism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

National studies have found that re-offense rates for people released at age 60 or older are quite low, a stark contrast to the recidivism rates of younger populations. —Jasmine L. Tyler, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2025

The character’s development is further explored through his relationship with a probation officer played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, who understands the high risk of recidivism in men who have been inadequately prepared for life after prison. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025

While acknowledging the problem of recidivism in the criminal justice system, Hochul spoke of the need to work within current bail laws. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025

This will not apply however if there are aggravating factors, such as recidivism or pervasive misconduct. —Steve Weisman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French récidivisme, from récidiver "to reappear (of a disease, tumor, etc.), do over, commit a second criminal offense" (going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin recidīvāre "to relapse into sin or crime") + -isme -ism — more at recidivate

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

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Medical Definition

recidivism

noun

re·​cid·​i·​vism ri-ˈsid-ə-ˌviz-əm 

: a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior

high recidivism rates after cessation of smoking

—A. E. Kazdin et al.

Legal Definition

recidivism

noun

re·​cid·​i·​vism ri-ˈsi-də-ˌvi-zəm 

: relapse into criminal behavior