# perpetuate

/pɝˈpɛtʃəˌweɪt/ (US) · /pəpˈɛtʃuːˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perpetuate
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to make a situation, belief, or system continue for a long time. It is often used when talking about bad things, like lies or unfair rules, that stay around because people keep repeating them.

For teachers: to cause something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief, to continue indefinitely. Often implies the reinforcement of social structures or myths through repetition or lack of intervention.

## Examples

- These old movies perpetuate harmful stereotypes about different cultures.
- The current tax laws perpetuate the wealth gap by favoring those who already own property.
- Scholars argue that the curriculum continues to perpetuate a Eurocentric view of history, effectively marginalizing the contributions of non-Western civilizations to modern scientific thought.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The problem perpetuates for years." but "The problem is perpetuated for years." — Perpetuate is transitive; it needs an object. If the subject is the thing being continued, use the passive voice.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a myth, system, or cycle.

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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.