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
The Trump administration has also condemned , including members of Assad's Alawite sect, perpetrated by Syrian security forces and allied militias, who claim to be battling remnants of the former government.
—
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
In her upcoming memoir, Tom Hanks’ daughter is opening up about her childhood, alleging abuse perpetrated by her late mother (and Hanks’ first wife) Susan Dillingham.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
When perpetrating a senseless street crime, wear nondescript clothing.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
In fact, last year, a woman known to be a danger to herself and others perpetrated a shooting at Lakewood Church in Houston and two people were wounded, including her young child.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
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Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
In her upcoming memoir, Tom Hanks’ daughter is opening up about her childhood, alleging abuse perpetrated by her late mother (and Hanks’ first wife) Susan Dillingham.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
When perpetrating a senseless street crime, wear nondescript clothing.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
In fact, last year, a woman known to be a danger to herself and others perpetrated a shooting at Lakewood Church in Houston and two people were wounded, including her young child.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 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 13 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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