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
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
In most of the romance fraud cases the NCL encounters, the crimes are being perpetrated from overseas.
—
Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The audience member went on to explain that five transgender Americans have perpetrated mass shootings over the last 10 years.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
The first international tribunal ever organized, the first time film footage was used as evidence to show the world what this regime perpetrated.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Malfeasants misuse social media, posing a serious threat to our people — from those who perpetrate mass violence against innocent people to stalkers and groomers of innocent children — taking advantage of freedoms that were meant to protect, not harm.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The audience member went on to explain that five transgender Americans have perpetrated mass shootings over the last 10 years.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
The first international tribunal ever organized, the first time film footage was used as evidence to show the world what this regime perpetrated.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Malfeasants misuse social media, posing a serious threat to our people — from those who perpetrate mass violence against innocent people to stalkers and groomers of innocent children — taking advantage of freedoms that were meant to protect, not harm.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
Cite this Entry
“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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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