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
As the investigations continued Tuesday into two separate mass shootings allegedly perpetrated over the weekend by Marine veterans wielding assault rifles, one in Michigan and the other in North Carolina, numerous questions remain unanswered -- chief among them motive.
—
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
After reviewing those court records, anyone with an ounce of humanity would come away furious at the criminal cover-up perpetrated against innocent young children by priests.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Trump has claimed these policies have caused an increase in crime perpetrated by immigrants, but Bay Area leaders were fierce in their condemnation of that portrayal.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
Calls climate change ‘greatest con job ever perpetrated’ Trump reserved some of his most aggressive remarks in rejecting global efforts to rein in fossil fuel use and promote renewable, clean energy.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
After reviewing those court records, anyone with an ounce of humanity would come away furious at the criminal cover-up perpetrated against innocent young children by priests.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Trump has claimed these policies have caused an increase in crime perpetrated by immigrants, but Bay Area leaders were fierce in their condemnation of that portrayal.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
Calls climate change ‘greatest con job ever perpetrated’ Trump reserved some of his most aggressive remarks in rejecting global efforts to rein in fossil fuel use and promote renewable, clean energy.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 23 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 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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