Perpetrator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👤

Add to dictionary

perpetrator

[ˈpɜrpɪˌtreɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime

A person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act, especially one who commits a crime.

Synonyms

criminal, culprit, offender, wrongdoer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perpetrator	Used in legal or formal contexts to refer to someone who has committed a crime or wrongful act, especially a serious one. The police have identified the perpetrator of the theft The perpetrator of the fraud was sentenced to five years in prison
culprit	Often used in everyday language to refer to someone who is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing, typically in less formal situations. The culprit behind the graffiti was a local teenager We finally found the culprit who was stealing from the office
offender	Used to describe someone who has violated a law or rule. It can be used for both minor and serious infractions and is often used in legal settings. The first-time offender was given a lighter sentence Repeat offenders could face harsher punishments
criminal	Commonly used to describe someone who has committed a crime, generally implying a legal conviction. It can refer to minor or major crimes. The criminal was caught and taken to jail She was a known criminal in the community
wrongdoer	A more general term that can describe someone who engages in any sort of unethical or illegal activity. It is often used in moral or ethical discussions. The wrongdoer confessed his misdeeds to the authorities Society must find ways to rehabilitate wrongdoers

Examples of usage

The police are still searching for the perpetrator of the robbery.
The perpetrator of the fraud scheme was finally arrested and brought to justice.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

negative act

Someone who is responsible for a negative act or event, often used in a broader sense than just criminal activities.

Synonyms

cause, instigator, source.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perpetrator	Use 'perpetrator' when referring to someone who has committed a crime or an unethical act, with a negative connotation involved. The perpetrator of the robbery was caught on surveillance cameras. The police are still searching for the perpetrator of the arson.
instigator	Use 'instigator' to describe someone who provokes or initiates an action or event, often implying it is done in a negative or disruptive way. He was the instigator of the protest that turned violent. The instigator of the fight was suspended from school.
source	Use 'source' to refer to the origin of something, typically information, energy, or a problem. This term is neutral in tone. The journalist had to protect the identity of her source. Renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainable development.
cause	Use 'cause' when referring to something that brings about an effect or a condition without necessarily implying blame or negativity. Smoking is a common cause of lung cancer. Poor diet and lack of exercise can cause heart disease.

Examples of usage

The company was not the perpetrator of the environmental damage, but rather the victim of it.
He was unfairly labeled as the perpetrator of the conflict, when in reality he was trying to mediate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Crime and Law

In criminal justice, a perpetrator is often categorized into types, such as primary perpetrator (who directly commits the act) and accomplices (who assist in the act).
Data shows that understanding a perpetrator's motive can help in preventing similar crimes in the future.
Laws surrounding a perpetrator’s accountability can vary significantly from one country to another, affecting how justice is served.

Psychology

Studies suggest that understanding the mind of a perpetrator can help in crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Perpetrators may often show patterns of behavior that can include impulsivity or a lack of empathy for their victims.

Media and Culture

Many films and novels explore the psychology of perpetrators, providing insights into their motives and the impacts of their actions on victims.
Television shows often depict perpetrators in true crime narratives, sparking discussion about justice and morality in society.

Prevention and Awareness

Programs focused on preventing violence often include educating individuals about recognizing potential perpetrators and the signs of harmful behavior.
Community awareness initiatives aim to empower bystanders to act against potential violent situations, emphasizing collective responsibility.

Origin of 'perpetrator'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'perpetratus', meaning 'to carry through' or 'to accomplish', often linked to negative actions.
It evolved in the English language during the late 16th century, primarily used to describe someone who had committed a crime.

The word 'perpetrator' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'perpetrator', meaning 'one who performs'. Over time, it has come to specifically refer to someone who commits a harmful or illegal act. The concept of identifying and punishing perpetrators has been crucial in legal systems throughout history, aiming to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,575, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16572 tornado
16573 programmatic
16574 trod
16575 perpetrator
16576 ceaseless
16577 wavering
16578 surmise
...