Recidivism: meaning, definitions and examples

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recidivism

 

[ rɪˈsɪdəˌvɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal behavior

Recidivism refers to the tendency of a previously incarcerated individual to relapse into criminal behavior, resulting in subsequent arrests, convictions, or imprisonments. This phenomenon poses significant challenges for the criminal justice system and society at large, as it raises questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts. Various studies on recidivism aim to identify patterns and factors that contribute to repeat offenses, exploring aspects such as psychological issues, socio-economic status, and the environment post-release. Efforts to reduce recidivism often include educational programs, therapy, and support systems designed to aid reintegration into society.

Synonyms

relapse, reoffending, repeat offense

Examples of usage

  • The study focused on recidivism rates among parolees.
  • Programs aimed at reducing recidivism have become a priority for policymakers.
  • Understanding the causes of recidivism can help design better intervention strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "recidivism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recidiva

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति

🇩🇪 Rückfälligkeit

🇮🇩 residivisme

🇺🇦 рецидивізм

🇵🇱 recydywa

🇯🇵 再犯

🇫🇷 récidive

🇪🇸 recidivismo

🇹🇷 tekrar suç işleme

🇰🇷 재범

🇸🇦 العودة إلى الجريمة

🇨🇿 recidiva

🇸🇰 recidíva

🇨🇳 累犯

🇸🇮 recidivizem

🇮🇸 endurð

🇰🇿 рецидивизм

🇬🇪 რეციდივიზმი

🇦🇿 təkrar cinayət

🇲🇽 recidivismo

Word origin

The term 'recidivism' is derived from the Latin word 'recidivus', which means 'to fall back'. It is composed of 're-', meaning 'back', and 'cadere', meaning 'to fall'. The concept has its roots in legal and psychological discussions around criminal behavior and rehabilitation, dating back to the 19th century when the criminal justice system began to emphasize not just punishment but also the potential for reform. This shift in focus led to greater interest in understanding why individuals reoffend after incarceration and how society can effectively reduce these occurrences. Over the years, studies on recidivism have influenced policies and practices within the justice system, leading to the development of various programs and initiatives aimed at reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,110, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.