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perpetrare

to perpetrate, to commit (a crime)

verb per-peh-TRAH-reh Rare

Origin: Latin perpetrare (to accomplish)

Usage Note

Perpetrare is a formal verb used almost exclusively for crimes or serious wrongs — perpetrare un crimine/un delitto (to perpetrate a crime). It is not used for everyday mistakes. Takes avere as auxiliary. The related noun perpetratore (perpetrator) appears in legal and journalistic contexts.

Examples

"I colpevoli hanno perpetrato atti violenti."

Natural Translation

The culprits perpetrated violent acts.

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