perpetrate

verb

per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt 

perpetrated; perpetrating

transitive verb

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

perpetration

ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən 

noun

perpetrator

ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər 

noun

Synonyms of perpetrate

• perform
• accomplish
• execute
• fulfill
• achieve
• do
• make
• implement
• commit
• prosecute

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

Many of the physical aggressions KFF Health News identified in CMS inspection reports were perpetrated by residents with diagnoses of dementia, schizophrenia, or other cognitive disorders. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

This may be the greatest injustice perpetrated by our political class. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2026

The committee said in the report that Coupang has been the target of discriminatory pressure from the South Korean government that intensified in 2025 after a data breach perpetrated by a disgruntled former employee. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 1 July 2026

The West African country of 23 million people has been battered by years-long violence perpetrated by extremist groups linked to Al Qaeda and the militant group Islamic State, as well as government forces often accused of extrajudicial killings. — Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin perpetratus, past participle of perpetrare, from per- through + patrare to accomplish, from pater father — more at father

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perpetrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

perpetrate

verb

per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt 

perpetrated; perpetrating

: to be guilty of doing : commit

perpetration

ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən 

noun

perpetrator

ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

perpetrate

transitive verb

per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt 

perpetrated; perpetrating

: to carry out or bring about (as a crime)

perpetration

ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən 

noun

perpetrator

ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər 

noun