recidivism
Americannoun
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repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime.
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Psychiatry. the chronic tendency toward repetition of criminal or antisocial behavior patterns.
noun
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- recidivist noun
- recidivistic adjective
- recidivous adjective
Etymology
Origin of recidivism
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Beshear pointed to the stretch of low statewide unemployment, pay raises for state troopers, a record-low recidivism rate, a booming tourism sector and massive investments to expand broadband.
From Seattle Times
Expanding incarcerated people’s access to treatment would erode the demand for drugs in prison, and have the added benefit of tamping down recidivism in the community.
From Seattle Times
Shapiro said judges take into account whether there were victims in the case and the likelihood of recidivism.
From Los Angeles Times
“Both are key to reducing recidivism,” Wylie said in a statement reacting to the Larch closure.
From Seattle Times
Now organization that works to reduce recidivism, told The Times that she believes it’s a combination of drug use and romantic interests with boys who are also breaking the law.
From Washington Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
