recidivist etymology

Etymology

  • Origin: Latin
  • Word: recidīvus ("falling back, relapsing")
  • Components:
    • re-: "back"
    • cadere: "to fall"

Meaning and Origin

Recidivist is a term derived from the Latin word "recidivus," which literally means "falling back" or "relapsing." It was originally used in medicine to describe a condition in which symptoms reappeared after a period of remission.

Over time, the meaning of the term evolved to include any tendency to return to a previous state or behavior, particularly in legal contexts. In criminal law, a recidivist is a person who has been convicted of multiple crimes, especially after being released from prison.

The term "recidivism" came into common use in the late 19th century as concerns grew about the high rates of repeat offenders. It is now widely used in criminology and criminal justice to refer to the re-arrest, re-conviction, or return to prison of individuals who have previously been convicted of a crime.

recidivist relate terms

  • recidivate

    Etymology Origin Latin recidivus falling back again Derivation re back

  • recidivist

    Etymology Origin Latin Word recidīvus falling back relapsing Components re

  • recidivism

    Etymology Latin recidivus relapsing French récidive Meaning Recidivism ref

  • recidivist

    Etymology Origin Latin Word recidīvus falling back relapsing Components re

  • felon

    Etymology The word felon originates from the Old French word felon which ultimately

  • repartee

    Etymology French repartie Latin repartire meaning to divide distribute Meaning

  • malefactor

    Etymology From Middle English malefactour from Old French malfaitour ultimately from

  • outlaw

    Etymology The word outlaw has Old English origins Ut out Denoting separation

  • habitual

    Etymology Latin habitualis habitus habit alis pertaining to Meaning

  • antibiotic

    Origin Late Latin antibioticus from Greek antibiotikos anti against biotik

  • robust

    Etymology The word robust comes from the Latin word robur meaning oak tree Mean

  • confer

    Etymology The word confer comes from the Latin word conferre which means to bring

  • siren

    Etymology The word siren is derived from the ancient Greek word σειρήν seirēn

  • pilgrim

    Etymology The word pilgrim comes from the Old French word pelegrin which itself ori