perp

1 of 2

noun

plural perps
: a perpetrator especially of a crime see also perp walk

perp

2 of 2

abbreviation

Examples of perp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The alleged perp, a deranged man, should if guilty suffer the full force of the law. Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023 Instead, the overwhelming majority of perps caught on camera in Class 57 tend to run, hide in locked trailers, slump over in an intoxicated stupor, or cooperate unhappily. Sam Russek, The New Republic, 20 Oct. 2023 Solve the situation yourself by loudly repeating what the perp is saying! Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2023 And there were potential buyers: FTX Europe’s key license—and unique ability to offer perps—is what attracted them. Leo Schwartz, Fortune Crypto, 4 Aug. 2023 Indeed, a high-profile event like a perp walk may further fuel Trump’s run for presidency. Mary Angela Bock, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2023 Yet it is noted that such perps are rarely branded as domestic terrorists, no matter how blatant their politicized intent, or brought up on Federal charges. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 June 2023 Now free on $100,000 bond as his case proceeds, Penny called his arrest and perp walk difficult. Rebecca Rosenberg, Fox News, 8 June 2023 Another two, in hot pursuit, die before Tyree manages to disable their off-road vehicle, then kill three of four perps. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perp was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near perp

Cite this Entry

“Perp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perp. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

perp

noun
: a perpetrator of a crime

More from Merriam-Webster on perp

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