perpetuate
verb
per·pet·u·ate
pər-ˈpe-chə-ˌwāt 
perpetuated; perpetuating
: to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely
perpetuate the species
Examples of perpetuate in a Sentence
He perpetuates the myth that his house is haunted.
Fears about an epidemic are being perpetuated by the media.
Recent Examples on the Web
Critics argue that politicians have a responsibility to foster inclusivity rather than perpetuate negative stereotypes, especially during a period when immigration remains a controversial national issue.
—
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
These challenges hinder economic growth, perpetuate poverty, and prevent many Africans from realizing their full potential.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
While Frey warns women with textured hair that the topical solution can lead to dryness, flaking, and itching, which may perpetuate the hair loss cycle, De La Torre suggests taking medications orally can help combat some of the side effects.
—Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Artificial intelligence is billed by its profiteers as a new frontier for technology and humanity, but generative AI often perpetuates existing social harms.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetuate
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.
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
These challenges hinder economic growth, perpetuate poverty, and prevent many Africans from realizing their full potential.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
While Frey warns women with textured hair that the topical solution can lead to dryness, flaking, and itching, which may perpetuate the hair loss cycle, De La Torre suggests taking medications orally can help combat some of the side effects.
—Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Artificial intelligence is billed by its profiteers as a new frontier for technology and humanity, but generative AI often perpetuates existing social harms.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetuate
Cite this Entry
“Perpetuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetuate. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perpetuate
verb
per·pet·u·ate
pər-ˈpech-ə-ˌwāt
perpetuated; perpetuating
: to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely
Legal Definition
perpetuate
transitive verb
per·pet·u·ate
pər-ˈpe-chə-ˌwāt
perpetuated; perpetuating
: to preserve or make available (testimony) for later use at a trial by means of deposition especially when the evidence so gathered would be otherwise unavailable or lost
Note: Courts will not allow the perpetuation of testimony at a pretrial proceeding if it appears to be an attempt to fish for useful material.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share