perpetrare

to perpetrate, to commit (a crime)

verb per-peh-TRAH-reh Rare

Origin: Latin perpetrare (to accomplish)

Usage Note

Perpetrare is a formal verb used almost exclusively for crimes or serious wrongs — perpetrare un crimine/un delitto (to perpetrate a crime). It is not used for everyday mistakes. Takes avere as auxiliary. The related noun perpetratore (perpetrator) appears in legal and journalistic contexts.

Examples

"I colpevoli hanno perpetrato atti violenti."

Natural Translation

The culprits perpetrated violent acts.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Avere Fame: Why Italians "Have" Hunger, Not "Are"

In Italian you say Ho fame (I have hunger), never sono fame. Learn the avere + noun rule for fame, freddo, paura, age, and the sono caldo trap to avoid.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Buongiorno, Ciao or Salve? Italian Greetings Made Easy

When in doubt, say salve and mirror the reply. Here's how to pick between buongiorno, buonasera, ciao and salve so your Italian greetings never sound rude.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Question Words: Chi, Cosa, Dove, Quando & More

Master Italian question words: chi, cosa, dove, quando, perché, come, quanto and quale. A usage-first guide that finally sorts che vs cosa vs quale.

June 5, 2026 6 min read