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

The data is clear that firearms offenders recidivate at higher rates and more quickly than those who committed crimes without guns.

From Washington Post

The authorities have determined he’s unlikely to recidivate.

From Los Angeles Times

“We have known for a long time that placing youth in the adult system actually makes them more likely to recidivate.”

From Washington Times

Women are less likely to recidivate when compared to male offenders, but they are also more likely to be homeless.

From Washington Times

Therefore, in the Thanksgiving spirit, your Impeachment Diarist proposes to grant clemency to the following figures — under the condition that they don’t recidivate.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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