perpetrate
What does "perpetrate" mean?
To perpetrate means to carry out or commit a harmful, illegal, or immoral act. The mental image is of someone intentionally executing a negative deed, like a crime, a fraud, or a malicious prank. It carries a heavy weight, suggesting that the person is directly responsible for bringing about something negative. You will almost exclusively see this word used in legal, journalistic, or serious contexts. It is rarely used for minor mistakes or accidents; rather, it is reserved for situations involving wrongdoing. Common collocations include "perpetrate a crime," "perpetrate a fraud," or "perpetrate an injustice."
"perpetrate" in conversation
Discussing a crime
Who do you think perpetrated the heist at the museum?
Who do you think committed the museum robbery?
We have a lead on a suspect who fits the profile.
We have a lead on a suspect who fits the profile.
Used here to refer to a serious criminal act.
Critiquing a bad design
I can't believe they perpetrated this hideous font choice on us.
I can't believe they inflicted this ugly font choice on us.
It was meant to be ironic, but I see your point.
It was meant to be ironic, but I see your point.
Used hyperbolically to describe an act that is aesthetically offensive.
"perpetrate" in a sentence
The gang perpetrated the robbery late at night.
The gang perpetrated the robbery late at night.
He was arrested for perpetrating a complex financial fraud against the company.
He was arrested for perpetrating a complex financial fraud against the company.
The regime continued to perpetrate systemic injustices against its own citizens for decades.
The regime continued to perpetrate systemic injustices against its own citizens for decades.
