perpetuate

verb

per·​pet·​u·​ate pər-ˈpe-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce perpetuate (audio)
perpetuated; perpetuating

transitive verb

: to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely
perpetuate the species
perpetuation noun
perpetuator noun

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
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.
Who would perpetuate this massive $20 [billion] to $30 billion per year in fraud? Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 14 Nov. 2025 This new therapist asks a bunch of questions, and Jessi confesses that her core belief is not being good enough, and being with Jordan perpetuated that until her self-confidence was gone. Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025 Despite the enormity of these crimes, many United Nations member states continue to recognize and engage with this illegitimate regime, thereby perpetuating its impunity. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025 Inside, attendees accused the protesters of liberal intolerance and perpetuating cancel culture. Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perpetuate

Word History

Etymology

Latin perpetuatus, past participle of perpetuare, from perpetuus

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perpetuate was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perpetuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetuate. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

perpetuate

verb
per·​pet·​u·​ate pər-ˈpech-ə-ˌwāt How to pronounce perpetuate (audio)
perpetuated; perpetuating
: to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely
perpetuation noun
perpetuator noun

Legal Definition

perpetuate

transitive verb
per·​pet·​u·​ate pər-ˈpe-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce perpetuate (audio)
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.

perpetuation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetuate

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