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RECIDIVISM

In pastoral theology, the predictable repetition of a person's misbehavior. Applied to those who have developed some vice and seem to be incapable, or unwilling, to take the means necessary to overcome their bad habit. (Etym. Latin recidivus, falling back, relapsing.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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