perpetrate

verb

per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
Synonyms of perpetrate

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
perpetration
ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
noun
perpetrator
ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of perpetrate

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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
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.
The operation drove more than 700,000 Rohingya across the border into Bangladesh, joining hundreds of thousands of others already living there for decades in the wake of waves of previous violence perpetrated by Myanmar’s military. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 Fighting back The harmful content perpetrated online echoed concerns among consumers, leading them to find avenues to protect themselves. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 To Ramos, the bill represents a step toward reversing the long list of historical wrongs against Native Americans, including those perpetrated by the state government. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Haq said nearly 70% of the cases in the last six months involved rape, many reportedly perpetrated by armed groups. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perpetrate

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perpetrate was in 1537

Rhymes for perpetrate

See All Rhymes for perpetrate

Browse Nearby Words

perper
perpetrate
perpetration
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perpetrate

verb
per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to be guilty of doing : commit
perpetration
ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
noun
perpetrator
ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt-ər How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

perpetrate

transitive verb
per·​pe·​trate ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
perpetrated; perpetrating
: to carry out or bring about (as a crime)
perpetration
ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
noun
perpetrator
ˈpər-pə-ˌtrā-tər How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetrate

Nglish: Translation of perpetrate for Spanish Speakers

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