recidivist

Etymology

From French récidiviste, from Latin recidīvus (“returning, recurring”). Compare recidivous, -ist.

Pronunciation

• (weak vowel distinction) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈsɪdɪvɪst/
• (weak vowel merger) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈsɪdəvɪst/

Noun

recidivist (plural recidivists)

1. One who falls back into prior habits, especially criminal habits; a repeat offender.
   • 1914, R. Austin Freeman, The Uttermost Farthing, ch. 2:

     This specimen was of English parentage, was a professional burglar, a confirmed recidivist, and—since he habitually carried firearms—a potential homicide.