recidivism UK /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzm̩/US /ɹəˈsɪdəvəzm̩/ noun3 •Committing new offenses after a crime committed in the past.The increase in criminal activity was attributed to recidivism. •Chronic repetition of criminal or other antisocial behavior. •Returning to a negative behavior after having stopped it for a period of time. formsrecidivisms