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
Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, in response to the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas in Southern Israel on Oct. 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 people.
—
Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
There is mounting evidence, for instance, that the United Arab Emirates have been arming the Rapid Support Forces, which stand accused of perpetrating genocidal acts against African ethnic groups in Darfur.
—Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025
That was the result of a stupid Obama-era rule that claimed a benefit to climate change (the biggest scam ever perpetrated on humanity) by restricting water flow through shower heads and faucets.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
Among others, the use of universal jurisdiction enabled German domestic courts to prosecute members of Daesh (also known as the Islamic State, ISIS, ISIL) for genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated against the Yazidis in Iraq.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
There is mounting evidence, for instance, that the United Arab Emirates have been arming the Rapid Support Forces, which stand accused of perpetrating genocidal acts against African ethnic groups in Darfur.
—Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025
That was the result of a stupid Obama-era rule that claimed a benefit to climate change (the biggest scam ever perpetrated on humanity) by restricting water flow through shower heads and faucets.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
Among others, the use of universal jurisdiction enabled German domestic courts to prosecute members of Daesh (also known as the Islamic State, ISIS, ISIL) for genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated against the Yazidis in Iraq.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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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