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Definition of perpetrator

perpetrator

/ˈpɜːr.pəˌtreɪ.tər/
per · pe · tra · tor
Plural:perpetrators
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perpetrator Lexical Profile

perpetrator Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.

Example

"Investigators reviewed the security footage to identify the perpetrator of the cyberattack."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for perpetrator

• Nearby Words

perpendicularly
perpetrate
perpetration
perpetrator
perpetual
perpetually
perpetuate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Late Latin perpetrator, an agent noun derived from the verb perpetrare ('to perform, accomplish, or commit'), combined from per- ('thoroughly') and patrare ('to bring about' or 'achieve', from pater, 'father').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Perpetrator. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/perpetrator
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