The perpetrator of this crime must be traced. [+ of]
perpetrate in British English
(ˈpɜːpɪˌtreɪt)
verb
(transitive)
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
Derived forms
perpetration (ˌperpeˈtration)
noun
perpetrator (ˈperpeˌtrator)
noun
Word origin
C16: from Latin perpetrāre, from per- (thoroughly) + patrāre to perform, perhaps from pater father, leader in the performance of sacred rites
perpetrate in American English
(ˈpɜrpəˌtreɪt)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈperpeˌtrated or ˈperpeˌtrating
1.
to do or perform (something evil, criminal, or offensive); be guilty of
2.
to commit (a blunder), impose (a hoax), etc.
Derived forms
perpetration (ˌperpeˈtration)
noun
perpetrator (ˈperpeˌtrator)
noun
Word origin
< L perpetratus, pp. of perpetrare, to commit, perpetrate, orig., to bring about, achieve < per, thoroughly + patrare, to effect, prob. orig. a ritual term < pater, father, priest
Examples of 'perpetrate' in a sentence
perpetrate
`And how, precisely, do you think I, who am under lock and key myself, could perpetrate such an outrage?
Fidelis Morgan THE RIVAL QUEENS: A COUNTESS ASHBY DE LA ZOUCHE MYSTERY (2002)
It is a place he could go to -- where you and others doubtless went -- to, to perpetrate whatever disgusting and illegal acts you favour!
Thomas, Craig THE LAST RAVEN (2002)
"I don't understand how you can perpetrate a fraud like this on your family.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips NOBODY'S BABY BUT MINE (2002)
In other languages
perpetrate
British English: perpetrate VERB
If someone perpetrates a crime or any other immoral or harmful act, they do it.
A high proportion of crime in any country is perpetrated by young males in their teens and twenties.
American English: perpetrate
Brazilian Portuguese: cometer
Chinese: 犯 >罪
European Spanish: cometer
French: perpétrer
German: begehen
Italian: perpetrare
Japanese: 犯す
Korean: 범하다
European Portuguese: cometer
Latin American Spanish: perpetrar
(verb)
Definition
to perform or be responsible for (a deception or crime)
What kind of person perpetrated this crime?
Synonyms
commit
I have never committed any crime.
do
I was trying to do some work.
perform
people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery
carry out
effect
Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backward.
be responsible for
execute
We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.
inflict
bring about
enact
wreak
Violent storms wreaked havoc on the coast.
Usage note
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.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of do
Definition
to improve
I was trying to do some work.
Synonyms
perform,
work,
achieve,
carry out,
produce,
effect,
complete,
conclude,
undertake,
accomplish,
execute,
discharge,
pull off,
transact
in the sense of effect
Definition
to cause (something) to take place
Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backward.
Synonyms
bring about,
make,
cause,
produce,
create,
complete,
achieve,
perform,
carry out,
fulfil,
accomplish,
execute,
initiate,
give rise to,
consummate,
actuate,
effectuate
in the sense of execute
Definition
to produce or create (a work of art)
We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.
Synonyms
carry out,
effect,
finish,
complete,
achieve,
realize,
do,
implement,
fulfil,
enforce,
accomplish,
render,
discharge,
administer,
prosecute,
enact,
consummate,
put into effect,
bring off
Synonyms of 'perpetrate'
perpetrate
Explore 'perpetrate' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of perform
Definition
to carry out (an action)
people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery