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
Synonyms of perpetrate
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 camp in western Ethiopia is being used to prepare fighters to join the Rapid Support Forces militia, which is accused of perpetrating a genocide against Sudan’s Black population, according to Reuters.
—
Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Carnival plays out in the movie’s background, adding life and music as well as disguising crimes perpetrated by those in power.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
So, for example, a lot of releases are coming out of this traumatizing space where men are perpetrating violence.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026
Minnesota state law requires health professionals to report to law enforcement any wounds that could have been perpetrated as part of a crime.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Carnival plays out in the movie’s background, adding life and music as well as disguising crimes perpetrated by those in power.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
So, for example, a lot of releases are coming out of this traumatizing space where men are perpetrating violence.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026
Minnesota state law requires health professionals to report to law enforcement any wounds that could have been perpetrated as part of a crime.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
Cite this Entry
“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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