recidivate

[ ri-sid-uh-veyt, ree- ]

verb (used without object)

, re·cid·i·vat·ed, re·cid·i·vat·ing.

1. to engage in recidivism; relapse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of recidivate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin recidivātus, past participle of recidivāre “to slide back, revert, relapse”; recidivism, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

One recommendation called for “more equity and fairness” in geriatric releases, since evidence suggested people older than 60 are less likely to recidivate and the medical care for elderly prisoners is costly.

From Washington Post

“Our response to crime seems designed to prevent people from rejoining society after their release and gives them little choice but to recidivate,” he writes.

From Voice of San Diego

Our response to crime seems designed to prevent people from rejoining society after their release and gives them little choice but to recidivate.

From Voice of San Diego

Related Words

• cease
• degenerate
• descend
• deteriorate
• elapse
• expire
• go by
• recede
• relapse
• run out
• subside
• terminate