perp

¹

[ purp ]

noun

, Police Slang.

1. the perpetrator of a crime.

perp.

²

abbreviation for

1. perpendicular.

perp

/ pɜːp /

noun

1. informal.
   a person who has committed a crime

Word History and Origins

Origin of perp¹

C20: from perpetrate

Example Sentences

“Wouldn’t surprise me if the perp was down there. New Orleans is the most remarkable Unremarkable city in the world. The Msaidizi was used there by both High John and Annie Christmas. The Gift left its mark on that place.”

From Literature

Evelyn wants to understand how this perp, who uses a wheelchair, arrived at this moment in his life.

From Los Angeles Times

Two officers replied in near unison: “Nobody. Just a perp.”

From Salon

"Anything he says or does could be perceived as putting a thumb on the scale and...would be exploited by Trump and his team to the detriment of the legal process. They don’t need to raise concerns. The news, perp walks, court appearances and evidence that continues to emerge say it all," said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist.

From Reuters

"Anything he says or does could be perceived as putting a thumb on the scale and...would be exploited by Trump and his team to the detriment of the legal process. They don’t need to raise concerns. The news, perp walks, court appearances and evidence that continues to emerge say it all," said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist.

From Reuters