Meaning
repeat offender
- a person who commits crimes repeatedly; a reoffender
- someone who repeatedly relapses into a bad habit or error
In a sentence
Il giudice ha aumentato la pena perché l'imputato era un recidivo.
The judge increased the sentence because the defendant was a repeat offender.
Non prestargli più denaro: con i debiti è un recidivo incurabile.
Don't lend him any more money: he is a hopeless repeat offender with debts.
Quanti recidivi tornano in carcere entro tre anni dal rilascio?
How many repeat offenders return to prison within three years of release?
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| recidivo | masculine · singular |
| recidivi | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Common in legal and criminological contexts, but also used informally for someone repeating mistakes.
- Also functions as an adjective meaning 'relapsing' or 'habitual'.