reoffend: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, legal, criminological
Quick answer
What does “reoffend” mean?
To commit another crime after having been convicted and punished for a previous one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To commit another crime after having been convicted and punished for a previous one.
In broader contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe the act of repeating any serious negative or antisocial behaviour that one was previously sanctioned for, though this usage is less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term primarily in legal and correctional contexts.
Connotations
The term carries a heavy negative connotation in both variants, associated with criminal failure and systemic issues in the justice system.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media and policy discussions, reflecting different penal terminologies, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “reoffend” in a Sentence
[Subject] reoffends[Subject] is likely/unlikely to reoffendVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reoffend” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Without proper support, many released prisoners will reoffend within a year.
- The scheme aims to reduce the number of young people who reoffend.
American English
- Statistics show that over 60% of inmates reoffend within three years of release.
- The judge warned him that if he reoffended, the sentence would be much harsher.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; 'reoffending' is used adjectivally or as a gerund. No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [Not standard; 'reoffending' is used adjectivally or as a gerund. No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- The reoffending rate is a key metric for the Ministry of Justice.
- They studied a cohort of reoffending juveniles.
American English
- The state's reoffending statistics are concerning.
- The program targets high-risk, reoffending populations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in corporate compliance (e.g., 'The firm reoffended against regulations').
Academic
Common in criminology, sociology, and psychology research on recidivism.
Everyday
Used in news reports about crime and justice, but less common in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in penal policy, probation services, and risk assessment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reoffend”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reoffend”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reoffend”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'He reoffended a robbery.' – Incorrect). It is intransitive.
- Using it for a first offence.
- Misspelling as 're-offend' (hyphen is optional but less common in modern usage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly used for criminal offences that lead to conviction. It can be used for lesser offences (e.g., repeated motoring violations) but typically implies a pattern following formal punishment.
'Recidivate' is a more formal, technical term used mainly in academic and official reports. 'Reoffend' is the standard term in general news, policy, and everyday formal discourse.
No. The noun forms are 'reoffending' (the act/rate) and 'reoffender' (the person). You cannot say 'He is a reoffend.'
The correct term for the person is a 'reoffender'. For example, 'The programme is designed for young reoffenders.'
To commit another crime after having been convicted and punished for a previous one.
Reoffend is usually formal, official, legal, criminological in register.
Reoffend: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːəˈfend/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːəˈfend/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He] is back to his old tricks. (related idiom for repeated bad behaviour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE- (again) + OFFEND (commit a crime). To offend the law AGAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A DISEASE/RELAPSE (e.g., 'relapse into crime', 'recidivism rates').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'reoffend' MOST appropriately used?