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
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Others cited fears of violence perpetrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement against Haitians with TPS, who now face an imminent threat of deportation. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 31 July 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 Autopsy details, however, revealed the extent of the violence perpetrated by Kohberger. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 What’s truly unnerving, however, is that whoever is perpetrating these crimes has the ability to control minds. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 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
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Cite this Entry

“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 3 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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