perpetuate

To make a belief, problem, or behaviour continue by repeating or supporting it.

• Such jokes perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
• The policy perpetuated inequality between rich and poor.
• Repeating that claim only perpetuates the myth.

Similar words: reinforce, sustain, maintain

Opposites: end

Common phrases: perpetuate a myth, perpetuate a stereotype, perpetuate a cycle

To make something continue to exist for a very long time.

• The festival helps perpetuate local traditions.
• They built a monument to perpetuate her memory.
• These stories perpetuate the family’s history across generations.

Similar words: preserve, maintain, continue

Opposites: end

Common phrases: perpetuate a tradition, perpetuate someone’s memory, perpetuate a custom

To officially record what a witness says so it can be used in a later court case.

• The lawyer applied to perpetuate testimony.
• They perpetuated the witness’s testimony before she left the country.
• The court allowed them to perpetuate evidence from the elderly witness.

Similar words: preserve, record

Common phrases: perpetuate testimony, perpetuate someone’s testimony

Continuing for ever or for a time with no known end.

• The poet dreamed of perpetuate fame.
• They hoped to leave a perpetuate memory.
• His ambition was glory, lasting and perpetuate.

Similar words: perpetual, everlasting

Opposites: temporary

Common phrases: perpetuate fame, perpetuate memory