verb

perpetuate

puh-PEHT-shuu-ayt

verb

To keep something going indefinitely, often something negative like a problem or stereotype.

"The film has been criticized for perpetuating outdated stereotypes."

"Low wages perpetuate the cycle of poverty in the region."

To preserve something so it is not forgotten.

"The museum works to perpetuate the memory of the town's founders."

How to Use Perpetuate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo cause something to continue, especially something that probably shouldn't.

Common mistake

Almost always used about bad or unwanted things continuing (myths, stereotypes, cycles) — not neutral good news.

Common pairings

perpetuate a myth perpetuate a stereotype perpetuate the cycle

Word Forms

perpetuated past tense, perpetuate plural, perpetuated plural, perpetuates singular, perpetuate singular, perpetuated singular, perpetuatedst singular, perpetuatest singular, perpetuateth singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Low wages _____ the cycle of poverty in the region.

Etymology

From Latin perpetuare, "to make continue without interruption," from perpetuus ("perpetual").

Rhymes for perpetuate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

See all rhymes for perpetuate →