# perp walk

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/perp-walk
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The intentional public display before news cameras of a person in police custody, especially someone famous or notorious, for the purpose of satisfying public interest, demonstrating the effectiveness of the authorities, or shaming the person.

## Examples

- The cameras waited outside to film the suspect's perp walk.
- The famous singer hides her face during the perp walk.
- The disgraced executive looked down at the ground during his perp walk as reporters shouted questions from behind the police line.
- After the police arrested the mayor for fraud, they led him through the front lobby to ensure every news station captured the perp walk on live television.
- The authorities orchestrated a highly public perp walk, ensuring that the disgraced official was paraded before the media to satisfy the public's demand for accountability.

## Origin

From *perp*, a truncation of *perpetrator*, and *walk*. The compound is first recorded circa 1980 to describe the deliberate escorting of a restrained suspect through a public space to allow for media photography.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.