perpetrate

[ pur-pi-treyt ]

verb (used with object)

, per·pe·trat·ed, per·pe·trat·ing.

1. to commit:

   to perpetrate a crime.

2. to present, execute, or do in a poor or tasteless manner:

   Who perpetrated this so-called comedy?

perpetrate

/ ˈpɜːpɪˌtreɪt /

verb

1. tr to perform or be responsible for (a deception, crime, etc)

Usage

Perpetrate and perpetuate are sometimes confused: he must answer for the crimes he has perpetrated (not perpetuated ); the book helped to perpetuate (not perpetrate ) some of the myths surrounding his early life

Derived Forms

• ˌperpeˈtration, noun
• ˈperpeˌtrator, noun

Other Words From

• per·pe·tra·ble [pur, -pi-tr, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• per·pe·tra·tion [pur-pi-, trey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• per·pe·tra·tor noun
• non·per·pe·tra·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetrate¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin perpetrātus (past participle of perpetrāre “to carry out, execute, perform”), equivalent to per- per- + -petr- (combining form of patrāre “to father, bring abou”t; pater ) + -ā- thematic vowel + -tus past participle suffix; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetrate¹

C16: from Latin perpetrāre, from per- (thoroughly) + patrāre to perform, perhaps from pater father, leader in the performance of sacred rites

Example Sentences

Khalife was charged under the Terrorism Act with making the list of Special Forces soldiers, and perpetrating a bomb hoax.

From BBC

He was cleared of perpetrating a bomb house at his army barracks.

From BBC

He added that the sentencing showed the force "will relentlessly pursue those who perpetrate violence against women and girls and bring them to justice".

From BBC

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to escaping from HMP Wandsworth in September 2023, but denies charges contrary to the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act, and is accused of perpetrating a bomb hoax.

From BBC

Meanwhile, prosecutors argued for a longer prison term, saying that the airman had "perpetrated one of the most significant and consequential violations of the Espionage Act in American history".

From BBC

Related Words

• carry out
• commit
• execute
• inflict
• wreak