perp
noun
the perpetrator of a crime.
perp
1 American
[purp]
/ pɜrp /
noun
Police Slang.
perp.
2
American
abbreviation
perp
British
/ pɜːp /
noun
Etymology
Origin of perp
C20: from perpetrate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The potential for extreme gains—and losses—has made crypto perp trading even more popular than spot trading worldwide.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
“They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk,” said the lawyer, Jim Trusty.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025
During a perp walk, law enforcement publicly escort a person accused of a crime as they are transported outside a police station or courthouse, usually in view of media cameras.
From BBC • Oct. 4, 2025
Oswald was killed two days later by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby during a perp walk broadcast on live television.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025
Next time you identify the perp in a police lineup, feel free to point dramatically and say, “That’s him, Officer!”
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
