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
Synonyms of perpetrate
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
Benn’s antics draw fine While the Wild have generally kept their cool and refused to retaliate at some of the on-ice malfeasance perpetrated by Stars forward Jamie Benn over the course of five games, the NHL apparently has had enough of his antics.
—
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Authorities say Saturday’s attack was perpetrated by the Central General Staff, EMC, a rebel group under the command of infamous ex-FARC commander Ivan Mordisco.
—Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Danielson is not accused of being involved in any of these crimes, but their photograph — a mugshot taken after they were arrested during a nonviolent protest in 2019 — was published in stories about the string of murders, where they were linked to the group that perpetrated them.
—Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Opponents say bill makes women less safe Instances of trans people perpetrating violence in public bathrooms, locker rooms and dorm rooms are exceedingly rare.
—Jack Harvel
april 20, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Authorities say Saturday’s attack was perpetrated by the Central General Staff, EMC, a rebel group under the command of infamous ex-FARC commander Ivan Mordisco.
—Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Danielson is not accused of being involved in any of these crimes, but their photograph — a mugshot taken after they were arrested during a nonviolent protest in 2019 — was published in stories about the string of murders, where they were linked to the group that perpetrated them.
—Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Opponents say bill makes women less safe Instances of trans people perpetrating violence in public bathrooms, locker rooms and dorm rooms are exceedingly rare.
—Jack Harvel
april 20, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
Cite this Entry
“Perpetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetrate. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
