Definition

A person who repeatedly commits crimes or offenses, often returning to criminal behavior after being punished or rehabilitated.

Example

The recidivist was sentenced to additional time in prison for his repeated offenses.

Conversation

Did you hear about that recidivist who got caught again?

Yeah, it's sad to see someone keep making the same mistakes.

I wonder what drives a recidivist to keep going back to crime.

Sometimes it's just hard to break old habits, I guess.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Recidivist → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "cadere" (meaning to fall). The term describes someone who falls back into a previous undesirable behavior, particularly in the context of crime.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'falls back' ('cadere') into their old habits 'again' ('re-') — that's why a recidivist is someone who repeatedly returns to previous behaviors.

Visually Confused Words