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

Derived Forms

• reˈcidivist, nounadjective
• reˌcidiˈvistic, adjective

Other Words From

• re·cidi·vist noun adjective
• re·cidi·vistic re·cidi·vous 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

She brought up Harris’ mandate for police officers to wear body cameras and efforts to reduce criminal recidivism.

From Salon

Republican Sen. Jonathan Dismang said he doesn’t have a problem with the sheriff’s reentry program or trying something new to address recidivism.

From Seattle Times

The most effective way to prevent recidivism is to address its root causes, which often are, in one way or another, linked to the use of substances.

From Science Daily

The corrections department has struggled for many years to maximize rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the 1970s, studies have shown that prison visits can reduce recidivism, according to a Prison Policy Initiative round-up of research published in 2021.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backsliding
• relapse

More About Recidivism

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.

Where does recidivism come from?

The first records of recidivism come from the 1880s. It comes from the Latin  recidīvus, meaning “relapsing,” from the Latin verb recid(ere), “to fall back.”

Fall back is used in many phrases related to relapsing, such as fall back into old habits and fall back into a life of crime. The word recidivism refers to the same thing but is used in a more formal and clinical way. It is especially discussed in the context of recidivism rates among convicted criminals—meaning the percentage of persons convicted and imprisoned for a crime who go on to commit another crime after their release (often called repeat offenders). Such rates are sometimes used to determine the length of prison sentences. Criminal justice reform advocates often emphasize the role of rehabilitation in reducing recidivism rates.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to recidivism?

• recidivist (noun, adjective)
• recidivistic (adjective)
• recidivous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for recidivism?

• relapse
• regression
• backsliding

What are some words that share a root or word element with recidivism? 

• recidivate

What are some words that often get used in discussing recidivism?

 

• repeat
• offender
• rate
• rehabilitate
• release
• sentence
• prison
• parole

How is recidivism used in real life?

Recidivism is typically used in serious contexts, especially in discussions about criminal justice.

Gov Kemp could be proactive and release thousands of elderly people from Georgia's prisons, starting now. Releasing older prisoners is incredibly low risk — the recidivism rate is ~3% — and this would dramatically reduce the stress on medical centers within prisons, AND spread.

— Hannah Riley (@hannahcrileyy) March 12, 2020

"In the two weeks following release, a prisoner’s risk of overdose is over 50 times higher than in the general population."

We should do everything we can to ensure prisoners are healthy and whole upon re-entering society, which reduces recidivism.https://t.co/waGW9eDNeS

— John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (@JHSocietySask) March 11, 2020

Really interesting article about a prison in Norway which treats inmates like humans. VERY low rate of recidivism. http://t.co/JmThkEZrPl

— Kristina Johnson (@wired2theworld) May 14, 2013

 

 

Try using recidivism!

Is recidivism used correctly in the following sentence? 

This legislation is aimed at reducing the rate of recidivism among convicts who are on parole.