Recidivism vs. Reoffend — What's the Difference?

Recidivism (; from recidive and ism, from Latin recidīvus "recurring", from re- "back" and cadō "I fall") is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behavior after they have either experienced negative consequences of that behavior. It is also used to refer to the percentage of former prisoners who are rearrested for a similar offense.The term is frequently used in conjunction with criminal behavior and substance use disorders.

To offend again; especially after receiving punishment or treatment

The repeating of or returning to criminal behavior by the same offender or type of offender.

Committing new offenses after a crime committed in the past.

Chronic repetition of criminal or other antisocial behavior.

(by extension) Returning to a negative behavior after having stopped it for a period of time.

The state or quality of being recidivous; relapse,

Habitual relapse into crime