perpetuate

[per-pech-oo-eyt]

verb (used with object)

perpetuated, perpetuating 

1. to enable or allow the continuation of into the future; keep alive (used most often in reference to something considered harmful or false): Vines obscured a plaque intended to perpetuate her memory.

   Social media played a significant role in perpetuating political divisions.

   Vines obscured a plaque intended to perpetuate her memory.

2. to preserve from extinction or oblivion: perpetuate the species.

   to perpetuate one's name;

   perpetuate the species.

   Synonyms: sustain, save, preserve, maintain

perpetuate

/ pəˈpɛtjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to continue or prevail

   to perpetuate misconceptions

Other Word Forms

• perpetuable adjective
• perpetuation noun
• perpetuance noun
• perpetuator noun
• unperpetuable adjective
• unperpetuating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetuate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin perpetuātus (past participle of perpetuāre, derivative of perpetuus “uninterrupted”); perpetual, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetuate¹

C16: from Latin perpetuāre to continue without interruption, from perpetuus _perpetual

Example Sentences

But others, as well as teachers and education experts, warn that the indoctrination risks spawning a jingoistic, unquestioning generation that will perpetuate Russian warmongering.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The myth had begun early on, which can sometimes perpetuate itself.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The complaints also allege other facility staff knew about and facilitated abuse, perpetuating a culture of impunity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Industry experts at the time said the image put off potential Oscar voters and upset Black activists who claimed he was perpetuating demeaning racial stereotypes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Angelides added he feels there seems to be "a desire to perpetuate myths and falsehoods" around Maccabi Tel Aviv and its fans.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bolster 
• maintain 
• preserve