perpetrate

verb

per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating

transitive verb

1
: to bring about or carry out (something, such as a crime or deception) : commit
2
: to produce, perform, or execute (something likened to a crime)
perpetrate a pun
perpetration noun
perpetrator noun

Examples of perpetrate in a Sentence

The men were planning to perpetrate a robbery. The attack was perpetrated by a street gang. He vowed revenge for the crime perpetrated on his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At least in theory, a violent act is considered terrorism when perpetrated by a non-state actor against a civilian target for a political goal. Max Abrahms and Joseph Mroszczyk, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 These fraudulent identities can then be used to perpetrate various types of fraud, including account takeovers and financial scams. Damon Fleury, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 In Quiet on Set, which Investigation Discovery released in March, Bell detailed the abuse repeatedly perpetrated against him by Brian Peck, who worked as a dialogue coach on Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show while Bell was a cast member. EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024 The loophole had been closed because of a subsequent court case involving the obvious tax fraud perpetrated via C.C. Records showed that the scheme was unsustainable. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perpetrate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin perpetratus, past participle of perpetrare, from per- through + patrare to accomplish, from pater father — more at father

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perpetrate was in 1537

Dictionary Entries Near perpetrate

Cite this Entry

“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

perpetrate

verb
per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to be guilty of doing : commit
perpetration noun
perpetrator noun

Legal Definition

perpetrate

transitive verb
per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to carry out or bring about (as a crime)
perpetration noun
perpetrator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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