Definitions for: Recidivist


[n] someone who lapses into previous undesirable patterns of behavior
[n] someone who is repeatedly arrested for criminal behavior (especially for the same criminal behavior)



Webster (1913) Definition: Re*cid"i*vist, n.
One who is recidivous or is characterized by recidivism; an
incorrigible criminal. -- Re*cid`i*vis"tic, a.

The criminal by passion never becomes a recidivist, it
is the social, not the antisocial, instincts that are
strong within him, his crime is a solitary event in his
life. --Havelock
Ellis.

Synonyms: backslider, habitual criminal, repeater, reversionist

See Also: criminal, crook, felon, malefactor, offender, outlaw, wrongdoer

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