perpetrate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to commit.
to perpetrate a crime.
-
to present, execute, or do in a poor or tasteless manner.
Who perpetrated this so-called comedy?
verb
Usage
Perpetrate and perpetuate are sometimes confused: he must answer for the crimes he has perpetrated (not perpetuated ); the book helped to perpetuate (not perpetrate ) some of the myths surrounding his early life
Other Word Forms
- nonperpetration noun
- perpetrable adjective
- perpetration noun
- perpetrator noun
Etymology
Origin of perpetrate
First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin perpetrātus (past participle of perpetrāre “to carry out, execute, perform”), equivalent to per- per- + -petr- (combining form of patrāre “to father, bring abou”t; pater ) + -ā- thematic vowel + -tus past participle suffix; -ate 1
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 scale of damage perpetrated by the regime is still being collectively processed.
From Los Angeles Times
A Reform UK spokesperson said there was "no place in Reform for those who perpetrate violence against women and girls" and that the party had expelled Taylor after he pleaded guilty.
From BBC
Susan said society needs to "fundamentally change for people like him to stop perpetrating this on innocent people".
From BBC
"Even the risk of that doesn't stop people from perpetrating fraud," Elahi marvelled.
From BBC
Carnival plays out in the movie’s background, adding life and music as well as disguising crimes perpetrated by those in power.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
