recidivism

[ri-sid-uh-viz-uhm]

noun

1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime.

2. Psychiatry.,  the chronic tendency toward repetition of criminal or antisocial behavior patterns.

recidivism

/ rɪˈsɪdɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. habitual relapse into crime

Other Word Forms

• recidivist noun
• recidivistic adjective
• recidivous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recidivism¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin recidīv(us) “relapsing” (from recid(ere) “to fall back” (from re- re- + -cidere, combining form of cadere “to fall”) + -īvus -ive ) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of recidivism¹

C19: from Latin recidīvus falling back, from _re- + cadere to fall

Example Sentences

Some researchers have clocked precipitous drops in the recidivism rate, as this metric is called, because of educational progress and its connection to landing a good job.

From Los Angeles Times

The act, which contains a series of criminal justice reforms including changes in sentencing and recidivism risk assessment, has benefited 40,000 people, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Thousands have gone through the 10-year-old program, and it’s part of a broader push by the state to go beyond punishment and rehabilitate incarcerated people and reduce recidivism.

From Los Angeles Times

In the US, analysis from 2016 of a recidivism tool found black defendants were more likely than their white peers to be incorrectly judged to be at higher risk of repeat offending.

From BBC

Many have had life sentences reduced — a subgroup that has a recidivism rate under 3%, the lowest of all released prisoners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backsliding www.thesaurus.com
• relapse 

When To Use

What does recidivism mean?

Recidivism most commonly refers to the act of continuing to commit crimes after having been imprisoned for one and released.In general, recidivism refers to a repeated or habitual relapse of any kind, but it is most often associated with crime and drug addiction. The verb form of recidivism is recidivate, which is synonymous with relapse. In psychology, recidivism refers to a repeated tendency to engage in crime or antisocial behavior.Example: Statistics show that elderly people have a low recidivism rate—once released from prison, they rarely commit more crimes.