re·cid·i·vate \rə̇ˈsidəˌvāt, rēˈ-, usu -ād.+V\intransitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Medieval Latin recidivatus, past participle of recidivare to fall back, relapse, from Latin recidivus falling back, recurring — more at recidivous : to fall back : relapse < those who recidivate are characteristically minor offenders — P.W.Tappan >