perpetrate

verb

per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
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 noun
perpetrator noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The violence perpetrated by the administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the Palestinian people, most especially in Gaza but also on the West Bank, is against Jewish values. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2025 Since learning of the indictment, Hannah has been trying to understand how she was pulled into a web of online hacking activities allegedly perpetrated by a coach who spent 12 years in the NFL and worked for one of the most prestigious programs in college football. Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Israeli President Isaac Herzog vowed during the country's main remembrance event to never allow another genocide to be perpetrated against the Jewish people. Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025 In the creator’s eyes, not telling this story would be ignoring the atrocities that have been perpetrated for generations. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perpetrate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of perpetrate was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

perpetrate

verb
per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to be guilty of doing : commit
perpetration noun
perpetrator noun

Legal Definition

perpetrate

transitive verb
per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to carry out or bring about (as a crime)
perpetration noun
perpetrator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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