recrudescence

American  

[ree-kroo-des-uhns] / ˌri kruˈdɛs əns /

Sometimes recrudescency

noun

1. breaking out afresh or into renewed activity; revival or reappearance in active existence.

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Other Word Forms

• recrudescent
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of recrudescence

First recorded in 1715–25; from Latin recrūdēsc(ere) “to recrudesce ” + -ence

Explanation

When something that's bad comes back to haunt you, call it a recrudescence. It's not a word you'll hear often, but it's useful. Don't confuse recrudescence with resurgence, which is neutral and could be used just as easily to describe an increase in crime as to describe the return of warm weather in the spring. Recrudescence is bad. Use it to talk about a new growth of pimples, the return of the symptoms of a disease, or an underground crime ring.

Related Words

• reactivation
• rebirth
• recovery
• regeneration
• rejuvenation
• renaissance
• renewal
• restoration
• resurgence
• resuscitation