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
While many of the crimes perpetrated by Putin and his troops are already being investigated and prosecuted, whether by domestic or international tribunals, the crime of aggression is yet to be addressed with comprehensive responses.
—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
This report was among the first to reveal the systemic violations of international law perpetrated by the Nazis.
—Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025
As viewers have seen throughout the series so far, Harry has, indeed, engaged in all manner of dubious behavior on behalf of his Irish gangster boss, perpetrating violence and manipulation that even some of the Harrigans wouldn’t do.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 May 2025
The conflict has deepened existing ethnic and regional fault lines; the atrocities that the RSF, in particular, has perpetrated have made negotiations unpalatable for many of the SAF’s backers.
—Mai Hassan, Foreign Affairs, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
This report was among the first to reveal the systemic violations of international law perpetrated by the Nazis.
—Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025
As viewers have seen throughout the series so far, Harry has, indeed, engaged in all manner of dubious behavior on behalf of his Irish gangster boss, perpetrating violence and manipulation that even some of the Harrigans wouldn’t do.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 May 2025
The conflict has deepened existing ethnic and regional fault lines; the atrocities that the RSF, in particular, has perpetrated have made negotiations unpalatable for many of the SAF’s backers.
—Mai Hassan, Foreign Affairs, 30 Apr. 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 28 May. 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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