HealthJuly 13, 2026
recidivism
/rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/
Definition
The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend and return to the cycle of being arrested and incarcerated after release.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'recidivus,' meaning 'falling back,' which stems from 'recidere.' It entered English in the 19th century to specifically describe the act of relapsing into criminal behavior.
In the news
In this article, the word is used to describe the success of a mental health diversion program in significantly lowering the rate at which people cycle back into the criminal justice system. It highlights how effective treatment can prevent individuals from repeatedly returning to jail.
From 'hell hole' to healing: Judge Leifman's 20-year fight to open Miami mental health center
Read the full article ↗WLRN