perpetrate
verb
per·pe·trate
ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt 
perpetrated; perpetrating
1
: to bring about or carry out (something, such as a crime or deception) : commit
2
: to produce, perform, or execute (something likened to a crime)
perpetrate a pun
Synonyms of perpetrate
Examples of perpetrate in a Sentence
The men were planning to perpetrate a robbery.
The attack was perpetrated by a street gang.
He vowed revenge for the crime perpetrated on his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Experts have warned that the war will continue so long as foreign powers — namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — continue backing and funding the belligerents, including a paramilitary accused of perpetrating a genocide.
—
semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Whitney perpetrated a fraud; Henry is perpetuating it.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
An Idaho prosecutor has cleared a Boise Police Department officer who mistakenly shot at and injured an Idaho Department of Correction officer during a chaotic ambush at a Boise hospital perpetrated by a prisoner and an accomplice.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
The scale of damage perpetrated by the regime is still being collectively processed.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Whitney perpetrated a fraud; Henry is perpetuating it.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
An Idaho prosecutor has cleared a Boise Police Department officer who mistakenly shot at and injured an Idaho Department of Correction officer during a chaotic ambush at a Boise hospital perpetrated by a prisoner and an accomplice.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
The scale of damage perpetrated by the regime is still being collectively processed.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
Cite this Entry
“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perpetrate
verb
per·pe·trate
ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to be guilty of doing : commit
Legal Definition
perpetrate
transitive verb
per·pe·trate
ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to carry out or bring about (as a crime)
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