perpetrate: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈpɝpəˌtreɪt/·PUR-puh-trayt

Perpetrate (verb) means to do something harmful, illegal or wrong.

What does “perpetrate” mean?

  1. 1

    verbto do something harmful, illegal or wrong

    The attack was perpetrated by a small group.

Perpetrate at a glance

Part of speech
verb
CEFR level
C2 (proficient)
Pronunciation
/ˈpɝpəˌtreɪt/ · PUR-puh-trayt

How to use “perpetrate” correctly

Used only for bad acts. Don’t confuse with “perpetuate” (to make something continue).

Common phrases with “perpetrate”

  • perpetrate a crime
  • perpetrate fraud
  • perpetrate violence

Synonyms (similar meaning)

Word family

  • perpetrator
  • perpetration

“perpetrate” is on these word lists

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