definitions

perpetuity

[ pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo- ]
/ ˌpɜr pɪˈtu ɪ ti, -ˈtyu- /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR perpetuity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural per·pe·tu·i·ties.

the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in): to desire happiness in perpetuity.
endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
something that is perpetual.
an annuity paid for life.
Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.

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RELATED WORDS

always, permanently, eternally, evermore, perpetually, forever, interminably, never-ending, continuously, relentlessly, unlimitedly, infinitely, enduringly, forevermore, immortally, lastingly

Nearby words

perpetual debenture, perpetual inventory, perpetual motion, perpetual-motion machine, perpetuate, perpetuity, perphenazine, perpignan, perplex, perplexed, perplexity

Origin of perpetuity

1375–1425; late Middle English perpetuite < Latin perpetuitās. See perpetual, -ity

Related forms

non·per·pe·tu·i·ty, noun, plural non·per·pe·tu·i·ties.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for in perpetuity

perpetuity

/ (ˌpɜːpɪˈtjuːɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

eternity
the state or quality of being perpetual
property law a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law
an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely
in perpetuity for ever

Word Origin for perpetuity

C15: from Old French perpetuite, from Latin perpetuitās continuity; see perpetual
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with in perpetuity

in perpetuity

For all time, forever, as in This land was given to the state in perpetuity. [First half of 1400s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.