recidivate

verb

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re·cid·i·vate | \ ri-ˈsi-də-ˌvāt

recidivated; recidivating; recidivates

Definition of recidivate

intransitive verb

: to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior and especially delinquency or criminal activity : to exhibit recidivism There are three things that exponentially decrease the likelihood that an offender will recidivate. Offenders who obtain a diploma or GED certificate, obtain a job skill and maintain gainful employment are far more likely to break out of this dreaded cycle.— Christopher Bowman

History and Etymology for recidivate

borrowed from Medieval Latin recidīvātus, past participle of recidīvāre "to relapse into sin or crime," verbal derivative of Latin recidīvus "recurring, relapsing," from recidere "to fall back, sink back, relapse" (from re- re- + cadere "to fall") + -īvus -ive — more at chance entry 1