Perpetrator

usgb/ˈpɜːrpətreɪtər/
noun

A person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.

Police are still searching for the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
Visual representation of "perpetrator" - A person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.

Often appears as...

  • identify the perpetrator
  • arrest the perpetrator
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "perpetrator"
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Context Specific

Used mostly in legal or formal contexts, where the action has serious consequences.

Illustration for Context Specific
In court, the judge referred to the accused as the perpetrator.
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Negative Connotation

The word has negative vibes, implying the action done is wrong or harmful.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
News reports focused on finding the perpetrator responsible for the vandalism.
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Not for Accidents

'Perpetrator' is not used for someone causing accidental harm.

Illustration for Not for Accidents
He didn't mean to break the vase, so he's not a perpetrator.
Visual representation of the word "Perpetrator"

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