recidivist
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


re·cid·i·vist

noun \-vist\

Definition of RECIDIVIST

: one who relapses; specifically : a habitual criminal
recidivist adjective
re·cid·i·vis·tic \-ˌsi-də-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

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

re·cid·i·vist

noun \-vəst\   (Medical Dictionary)

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\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: recidivous
Previous Word in the Dictionary: recidivism
All Words Near: recidivist

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up recidivist? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More