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
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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
First Known Use: 1880
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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