Perpetrate

/ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to carry out or commit (a harmful, illegal, or immoral action)

The hacker was able to perpetrate a massive data breach that exposed sensitive information.

to bring about or perform something, typically something undesirable.

The investigation revealed that several individuals conspired to perpetrate fraud against the organization.

to continue indefinitely; to sustain or prolong.

The myth was perpetrated for generations despite the lack of evidence.

to inflict pain or suffering on others.

The tyrant perpetrated numerous atrocities during his reign.

From Latin 'perpetratus', past participle of 'perpetrare', meaning 'to perform, carry out, or accomplish'.

perpetrate a crime

To commit an illegal act.

perpetrate a hoax

To carry out a deceptive act, typically to mislead or trick others.

perpetrate an injustice

To commit an unfair or wrongful act.

perpetrator

A person who commits a crime or a harmful act.

perpetration

The act of committing a crime or carrying out an unlawful act.

perpetuate

To cause something to continue indefinitely.

To mess up

I totally perpetrated that last exam by not studying.

To pull a stunt

He really perpetrated a wild stunt at the party last night.