Perpetuate

/pərˈpɛtʃuːeɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To cause something to continue indefinitely; to make perpetual.
The organization aims to perpetuate the traditions of the community.
To preserve something from extinction or oblivion.
They decided to perpetuate the history of their ancestors through storytelling.
To cause an idea, situation, or feeling to last for a long time or indefinitely.
The media can perpetuate stereotypes that influence public perception.
To preserve or maintain something in existence.
The foundation was established to perpetuate the legacy of the artist.

Etymology

Latin 'perpetuare', meaning 'to make perpetual'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

perpetuate the myth
To make a false idea continue to exist.
perpetuate a cycle
To keep an ongoing sequence of events or behaviors.
perpetuate injustice
To allow unfair treatment to continue.

Related Words

perpetual
Continuing or enduring without interruption.
perpetuity
A state of infinite duration or eternity.
perpetuator
One who causes something to persist.

Slang Meanings

To keep something going, especially a trend or behavior.
He just perpetuates the same old gossip.
To drag something out longer than necessary.
Stop perpetuating this drama, it's getting old.