What does perpetuated mean?
Perpetuated means made to continue for an extended period, especially by preserving a belief, custom, institution, or problem and passing it on to others. The word is commonly used when describing something that survives through repeated reinforcement: a myth is perpetuated by retelling it, a tradition by continued observance, or an injustice by practices that allow it to persist. Although it can describe the preservation of valued traditions, it often has a critical tone and suggests that continuation is undesirable or socially harmful. The term is more formal and pointed than continue or preserve. Perplexed readers sometimes encounter it in discussions of historical myths, cultural stereotypes, discrimination, and systems that outlast the circumstances in which they arose.
verbTo make something continue indefinitely or preserve it for future generations, often despite efforts to end it.
- To cause a condition, practice, belief, or problem to continue indefinitely.
- To preserve something by passing it on to future generations.
"The organization's influence was perpetuated through generations of loyal members."
"Careless reporting perpetuated widespread misunderstanding about the study."
"The ceremony has been perpetuated for centuries, though its original purpose has been forgotten."
A myth can outlive the evidence that created it when belief perpetuates it from one generation to the next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of perpetuated
The word comes through Latin perpetuare, meaning “to make perpetual” or “to continue,” from perpetus, “continuous” or “uninterrupted.” The Latin form is commonly traced to per-, an intensive prefix meaning “thoroughly” or “completely,” and petere, “to seek.” Its English descendants include perpetual, perpetuity, perpetuation, and perpetuate.
Related word forms
How perpetuated is actually used
This is the past tense and past participle of perpetuate. It is somewhat formal and often carries a critical or negative connotation when describing the continuation of a myth, stereotype, injustice, or harmful practice.