perpetuate

American  

[per-pech-oo-eyt] / pərˈpɛtʃ uˌeɪt /

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

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perpetuate British  

/ pəˈpɛtjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to continue or prevail

   to perpetuate misconceptions

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of perpetuate

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

Example Sentences

As a dad now, Stephen's determined not to "perpetuate the cycle" with his own son and instead offer the security and emotional guidance he missed out on.

From BBC

“At the time,” Nacua posted on Instagram, “I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.”

From Los Angeles Times

We must not assume that liberty will perpetuate itself or that institutions will function without the trust and discipline of those they serve.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the risk of perpetuating a silly cliche, it’s not uncommon to hear people in Los Angeles refer to their psychics or mediums as casually as they refer to their therapists or masseuses.

From Los Angeles Times

I could no longer perpetuate a cycle of delusion, waiting for our right time to come.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bolster
• maintain
• preserve