perpetrate

[pur-pi-treyt]

verb (used with object)

perpetrated, perpetrating 

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

Other Word Forms

• perpetration noun
• perpetrator noun
• perpetrable adjective
• nonperpetration 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

The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Anis Hidayah, said the current situation was worrying, especially due to the violence perpetrated by the authorities that continued throughout the demonstrations.

From BBC

“Plaintiffs bring this suit to stop Defendants from perpetrating their anticompetitive scheme and to recover billions in damages,” according to the lawsuit filed in U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

State Department officers have also been instructed to spot individuals "who advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to national security; or who perpetrate unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence".

From BBC

Sánchez said the attack was perpetrated by the EMC guerrilla group, the largest offshoot of Farc.

From BBC

"We will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated," the Ukrainian president said.

From BBC

Related Words

• carry out 
• commit 
• execute 
• inflict 
• wreak