Perpetrate abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Perpetrate abuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing acts of violence, mistreatment, or wrongdoing, particularly in legal or social discussions. Example: "The investigation revealed that the organization had allowed employees to perpetrate abuse against vulnerable individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Another critical element of safety-planning with survivors is working with them to address other life and community-generated risks, which abusers frequently exploit to further perpetrate abuse.

HuffPost

Ideas intended to help Americans resist abuse spread to Americans who used them to perpetrate abuse.

The New Yorker

This was because the church had put the priest in a position where he could perpetrate abuse, creating a relationship similar to employment.

The Economist

'If a child is accused of being a witch and that accusation is endorsed by the church, it gives people leeway to perpetrate abuse on that child.

The Guardian

Peter Kyle, the Labour MP for Hove, said: "The family courts are being used to perpetrate abuse against extremely vulnerable women … One of my constituents has been cross-examined by her former partner on three separate occasions, the man who beat her, broke her bones and battered her unconscious".

The Guardian

While there is no suggestion that anything but a small minority of those who voted to leave have gone on to perpetrate abuse, it also seemed that some voters believed the referendum result had sent a message that it was a protest against any kind of immigration.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is entirely possible to build one's brand on overt sensuality without perpetrating abuse.

The New Yorker

Finally, we further examined gender-linked transmission of risk by considering both the gender of the parent perpetrating abuse and the gender of the adolescent.

Child Abuse & Neglect

US research (pdf) has found that in more than two thirds of cases, co-workers are aware that a colleague is perpetrating abuse.

The Guardian

Others environmental factors, including where asylum seekers who are alleged to have perpetrated abuse are allowed to stay, also fall within Australia's control.

The Guardian

The BBC notes that Rippon had said there was no evidence that anybody from Duncroft approved school, where Savile appears to have perpetrated abuse in the 1970s, "could or should" have known about the allegations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perpetrate abuse", ensure the context clearly defines the type of abuse being discussed (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "perpetrate abuse" in casual conversation; it's often more appropriate in formal or professional settings. Simpler phrases like "commit abuse" or "engage in abuse" might be better suited for informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perpetrate abuse" functions as a verb phrase, where "perpetrate" acts as a transitive verb taking "abuse" as its direct object. This signifies the act of committing or carrying out abuse. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perpetrate abuse" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies the act of committing or carrying out abuse. Ludwig confirms this. Although relatively uncommon, it is primarily found in formal contexts such as news reports and scientific studies. Its purpose is to report or discuss instances of abusive actions. Alternatives include "commit abuse" and "engage in abuse", which may be more suitable for informal communication. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the type of abuse being discussed to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commit abuse

This alternative uses a more common verb, "commit", to convey the act of engaging in abuse.

Engage in abuse

This alternative emphasizes the active involvement in abusive behaviors.

Carry out abuse

This alternative suggests the execution or performance of abusive actions.

Inflict abuse

This alternative highlights the act of causing abuse upon someone.

Practice abuse

This alternative implies repeated or habitual abusive behavior.

Be abusive

This option replaces the verb "perpetrate" with the adjective "abusive", describing a state of being.

Subject to abuse

This alternative focuses on the action of making someone experience abuse.

Cause abuse

This alternative emphasizes the act of initiating or bringing about abuse.

Conduct abuse

This alternative suggests the organized or deliberate execution of abusive acts.

Do abuse

This alternative uses a simple verb, "do", to indicate the act of committing abuse.

FAQs

What does it mean to "perpetrate abuse"?

To "perpetrate abuse" means to commit or carry out acts of violence, mistreatment, or harm against someone.

How can I use "perpetrate abuse" in a sentence?

You can use "perpetrate abuse" when discussing actions of violence or mistreatment, such as, "The investigation revealed that the organization had allowed employees to "perpetrate abuse" against vulnerable individuals."

What can I say instead of "perpetrate abuse"?

You can use alternatives like "commit abuse", "engage in abuse", or "inflict abuse" depending on the context.

Is "perpetrate abuse" a formal way to describe abusive behavior?

Yes, "perpetrate abuse" is more formal and often used in legal, journalistic, or academic contexts. In casual conversation, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.