recidivism

recidivism /re·cid·i·vism/ (re-sid´i-vizm) a tendency to relapse, particularly a return to criminal behavior.

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re·cid·i·vism (r-sd-vzm)

n.

1. A tendency to lapse into a previous pattern of behavior, especially a pattern of criminal habits.

2. The relapse of a disease or symptom. Also called recidivation.

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recidivism (rsid´viz´m),

n 1. the tendency for an ill person to relapse or return to the hospital.
n 2. the return to a life of crime after a conviction and sentence.