noun
Uncommon
perpetrator
PUR-pih-trayt-uh
Perpetrator (noun) means the person who actually carries out a crime or other wrongdoing. Example: “Investigators are still trying to identify the perpetrator of the fraud.”
noun
1
The person who actually carries out a crime or other wrongdoing.
"Investigators are still trying to identify the perpetrator of the fraud."
"The perpetrator was caught on security footage entering the building."
How to use perpetrator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhoever actually did the crime.
Common pairings
identify the perpetrator
perpetrator of a crime
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Word forms
- Plural
- perpetrators
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Investigators are still trying to identify the _____ of the fraud.
Etymology
From Latin perpetrator, someone who "carries something through" or accomplishes an act — from per- ("thoroughly") + patrare ("to bring about").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for perpetrator
See all rhymes for perpetrator →Frequently asked questions
What does “perpetrator” mean?
The word “perpetrator” means the person who actually carries out a crime or other wrongdoing. In plain terms, whoever actually did the crime.
How do you pronounce “perpetrator”?
“Perpetrator” is pronounced PUR-pih-trayt-uh (/ˈpɜː(ɹ).pɪˌtɹeɪt.ə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “perpetrator” in a sentence?
Here is “perpetrator” used in a sentence: “Investigators are still trying to identify the perpetrator of the fraud.”
What part of speech is “perpetrator”?
“Perpetrator” is a noun.
Where does the word “perpetrator” come from?
The word “perpetrator” comes from Latin. From Latin perpetrator, someone who "carries something through" or accomplishes an act — from per- ("thoroughly") + patrare ("to bring about").
Is “perpetrator” a common word?
“Perpetrator” is an uncommon word in modern English.
