perpetrate

verb per·pe·trate \ ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt \

Definition of perpetrate

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

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perpetration

play \ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən\ noun

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perpetrator

play \ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər\ noun

See perpetrate defined for English-language learners

See perpetrate defined for kids

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 of perpetrate from the Web

Mallory points out that several involved in the planning have also been at the forefront of efforts to address domestic violence against women, perpetrated by a number of high-profile NFL players.

— mankaprr conteh, Essence.com, "How Black Women Supporting Colin Kaepernick May Force The NFL's Hand," 23 Aug. 2017
The vicious pranks pulled in this show are perpetrated by two very mature women who should know how to behave better.

— punch shaw, star-telegram, "Senior living has never been funnier, or more cutthroat, than in ‘Ripcord’," 22 Aug. 2017
The one fatality was perpetrated by an apparent anti-black racist with his car, in an action separate from the rioting.

— conrad black, National Review, "Reviling Trump," 22 Aug. 2017
The terrible events of this past weekend in Charlottesville and the looming threat of a similar rally in Lexington are being perpetrated by white supremacists, neo-Nazis and their supporters.

— tom loftus, The Courier-Journal, "Some leading Republicans call for removal of Davis statue," 16 Aug. 2017
There is a larger, dangerous trend in media and among leaders who ignore attacks perpetrated by white suspects.

— cindy otis, Teen Vogue, "Terrorism's Definition Can be Applied to the Charlottesville Attack," 15 Aug. 2017
In six cases, one or more of the authors perpetrated the fraud themselves.

— dennis normile, Science | AAAS, "China cracks down after investigation finds massive peer-review fraud," 31 July 2017
The same Facebook photo and fake news were perpetrated upon Glen Elder Reservoir, a lake about 165 miles north of Wichita, The Kansas City Star reported Saturday.

— vince langford, star-telegram.com, "Report: Lewisville Lake not shark-infested, but ‘Jaws’ is a good 4th of July movie," 2 July 2017
Pinellas Park police have found a suspect in the June 13 South Miami-Dade home invasion perpetrated by police impersonators.

— david j. neal, miamiherald, "Suspect in cop-imitation home invasion robbery captured across the state," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perpetrate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of perpetrate

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1537

See Words from the same year

perpetrate Synonyms

Synonyms

accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through (with), fulfill (or fulfil), make, negotiate, perform, prosecute, pull off, put through

Related Words

bring about, effect, effectuate, implement; ace, nail; engage (in), practice (also practise); work (at); reduplicate, reenact, repeat; actualize, attain, realize; complete, end, finish, wind up

Near Antonyms

fail; skimp, slight, slur

PERPETRATE Defined for English Language Learners

perpetrate

verb

Definition of perpetrate for English Language Learners

: to do (something that is illegal or wrong)

PERPETRATE Defined for Kids

perpetrate

verb per·pe·trate \ ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt \

Definition of perpetrate for Students

perpetrated; perpetrating

:to bring about or carry out :commit

Thieves perpetrated the crime.

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perpetrator

\ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər\ noun

Law Dictionary

perpetrate

transitive verb per·pe·trate \ ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt \

legal Definition of perpetrate

perpetrated; perpetrating

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

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perpetration

play \ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən\ noun

—

perpetrator

play \ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər\ noun

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