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Showing results for perpetrator. Search instead for perpetuator.
Synonyms

perpetrator

American  
[pur-pi-trey-ter] / ˈpɜr pɪˌtreɪ tər /

noun

  1. a person who perpetrates, or commits, an illegal, criminal, or evil act.

    The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be found and punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Etymology

Origin of perpetrator

First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin, from Latin perpetrāt(us), past participle of perpetrāre “to carry out, execute, perform” + -or -or 1 ( def. ); perpetrate ( def. )

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.

Eventually, the perpetrator behind the Discord server mentioned in the new lawsuit was arrested.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

The ministry initially said the perpetrator had fled.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Authorities are now investigating whether any of the deaths are related or the work of the same perpetrator.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

These arguments about legal standards for asylum shouldn’t result in a child being detained, because of the level of harm, and the perpetrator of the harm in the individual’s home country.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

“They think the perpetrator drove a light blue Ford.”

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata

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.