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.
Election denialism had started sweeping across the country following the 2020 presidential election, based on lies perpetrated by many but ultimately instigated by the uncontested loser of that election, Trump. Richard Behar, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 As Clavin describes, the violence of the period often was perpetrated by consortiums of big land owners intent on swallowing up their smaller competition. Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 But news of the latest charges set off a surge of anti-immigrant rhetoric, as some lawmakers in the conservative Tory party accused officials of perpetrating a cover-up. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 Similarly to how no one advised investors to avoid stocks after Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, the usage of crypto to perpetrate scams and frauds doesn’t mean everyone should shun crypto. Laura Shin, TIME, 29 Oct. 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 24 Nov. 2024.

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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