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
Kelly Drane, research director at Giffords, said studies have shown that people who are under the influence of alcohol are more likely to be victims of gun violence and to perpetrate gun violence.
—
Tony Cook, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
That's primarily a reference to online scams perpetrated by organized crime that have bilked victims around the world of billions of dollars each year.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
It's perpetrated by the Democrats and some stupid Republicans.
—NBC news, 21 Dec. 2025
The 24-year-old man who allegedly perpetrated the terror attack in Australia on Sunday with his 50-year-old father was slapped with charges on Wednesday, according to news releases.
—Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Tony Cook, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
That's primarily a reference to online scams perpetrated by organized crime that have bilked victims around the world of billions of dollars each year.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
It's perpetrated by the Democrats and some stupid Republicans.
—NBC news, 21 Dec. 2025
The 24-year-old man who allegedly perpetrated the terror attack in Australia on Sunday with his 50-year-old father was slapped with charges on Wednesday, according to news releases.
—Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 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 5 Jan. 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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