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

“Defendant’s lies to the victim clients perpetuated Girardi’s theft in real time.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured," she said.

From BBC

“I do love being at home because a lot of times that’s what perpetuates it, the home crowd, the energy,” said Roberts.

From Los Angeles Times

Although someone perpetuating a romance scam can go after any age group, often older individuals who have built up significant retirement accounts and may be less familiar with AI and deepfake technology are targeted.

From Los Angeles Times

The company had "perpetuated an enormous failure on the Australian people" and would face "significant consequences", she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• bolster 
• maintain 
• preserve