First Known Use: 1880
Dictionary
recidivist
noun re·cid·i·vist \-vist\
: a person who continues to commit crimes even after being caught and punished
Full Definition of RECIDIVIST
: one who relapses; specifically : a habitual criminal
— recidivist adjective
— re·cid·i·vis·tic \-ˌsi-də-ˈvis-tik\ adjective
See recidivist defined for English-language learners
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Origin of RECIDIVIST
French récidiviste, from récidiver to relapse, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin recidivare, from Latin recidivus recurring, from recidere to fall back, from re- + cadere to fall — more at chance
Medical Dictionary
recidivist
noun re·cid·i·vist \-vəst\
Medical Definition of RECIDIVIST
: one who relapses into a previous behavior or condition; especially : a habitual criminal
—recidivist adjective
—re·cid·i·vis·tic \-ˌsid-ə-ˈvis-tik\ adjective
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