perpetuate Definition
- 1to make something continue indefinitely or for a long time
- 2to preserve something, especially a negative situation or condition
Using perpetuate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "perpetuate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The media perpetuates the myth that thinness equals beauty.
Example
The country's leaders are accused of perpetuating a climate of fear and violence.
Example
The school system perpetuates social inequality by favoring wealthy students.
perpetuate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with perpetuate
to cause a stereotype to continue or be maintained
Example
The media often perpetuates harmful stereotypes about marginalized groups.
to cause a cycle to continue or be repeated
Example
Poverty and lack of education can perpetuate a cycle of disadvantage.
to cause a tradition to continue or be preserved
Example
The family has been perpetuating this holiday tradition for generations.
Origins of perpetuate
from Latin 'perpetuare', meaning 'to continue without interruption'
Summary: perpetuate in Brief
The verb 'perpetuate' [pərˈpɛtʃʊeɪt] means to make something continue indefinitely or to preserve something, especially a negative situation or condition. Examples include 'The media perpetuates the myth that thinness equals beauty,' and 'The school system perpetuates social inequality by favoring wealthy students.' Phrases include 'perpetuate a stereotype,' 'perpetuate a cycle,' and 'perpetuate a tradition.'