Recidivist

Origin

From Latin recidīvus ("returning, recurring") (compare recidivous) + -ist.

Full definition of recidivist

Noun

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.

Related terms

• recidivism
• recidivistic
• recidivous