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
The Securities and Exchange Commission and Georgia officials are investigating a Georgia businessman and GOP supporter accused of perpetrating a Ponzi scheme defrauding hundreds of investors out of more than $140 million, and using some of the money for political donations.
—
ABC News, 11 July 2025
Israel had a right to self-defense against that incursion and the atrocities perpetrated against its citizens.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
The great crime, however, is perpetrated by politicians and business leaders who created a system that greatly advantages corporations over people.
—Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Stewart wondered aloud why this ideology is never extended to the long-running list of violent tragedies perpetrated by Americans.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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ABC News, 11 July 2025
Israel had a right to self-defense against that incursion and the atrocities perpetrated against its citizens.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
The great crime, however, is perpetrated by politicians and business leaders who created a system that greatly advantages corporations over people.
—Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Stewart wondered aloud why this ideology is never extended to the long-running list of violent tragedies perpetrated by Americans.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 June 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 26 Jul. 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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