Mid 16th century; earliest use found in Thomas Cromwell (d. 1540), royal minister. As adjective from classical Latin recidīvus falling back, renascent, recurring from recidere + -īvus; compare Middle French recidive (of a disease) recurring, (of a criminal) who relapses. As noun from Middle French recidive recurrence (of a disease), relapse (into sin or crime) or its etymon post-classical Latin recidiva recurrence, relapse, use as noun of feminine of classical Latin recidīvus; compare earlier recidivation.

Late Middle English; earliest use found in Mirour of Mans Saluacioune. From post-classical Latin recidivare recidivate; in later use after recidivation, recidivist, etc.