perpetuate

[ per-pech-oo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, per·pet·u·at·ed, per·pet·u·at·ing.

1. to enable or allow the continuation of into the future; keep alive (used most often in reference to something considered harmful or false): Vines obscured a plaque intended to perpetuate her memory.

   Social media played a significant role in perpetuating political divisions.

   Vines obscured a plaque intended to perpetuate her memory.

2. to preserve from extinction or oblivion: perpetuate the species.

   to perpetuate one's name;

   perpetuate the species.

   Synonyms: sustain, save, preserve, maintain

perpetuate

/ pəˈpɛtjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to cause to continue or prevail

   to perpetuate misconceptions

Usage

See perpetrate

Derived Forms

• perˌpetuˈation, noun

Other Words From

• per·pet·u·a·ble adjective
• per·pet·u·a·tion [per-pech-oo-, ey, -sh, uh, n], per·pet·u·ance [per-, pech, -oo-, uh, ns], noun
• per·pet·u·a·tor noun
• un·per·pet·u·a·ble adjective
• un·per·pet·u·at·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetuate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin perpetuātus (past participle of perpetuāre, derivative of perpetuus “uninterrupted”); perpetual, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetuate¹

C16: from Latin perpetuāre to continue without interruption, from perpetuus perpetual

Example Sentences

For example, when a team prompted generative AI tools to produce images of people in various occupations, some perpetuated gender and racial stereotypes rather than reproducing the actual demographics of those workers.

From Science Daily

Dairies are rewarded not for reducing methane emissions but for capturing what they generate, perpetuating pollution-heavy practices.

From Los Angeles Times

Others say the farmers are a noisy, well-organised lobby group seeking to shield their often considerable wealth and perpetuate a privilege to the exclusion of others.

From BBC

"While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity."

From BBC

The focus on public safety also perpetuates prejudices and fear, which increases popular support for coercive measures like involuntary treatment.

From Salon

Related Words

• bolster
• maintain
• preserve