'perpetrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perpetratus,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'patrare' meant 'to bring about or accomplish.'

'perpetratus' transformed into the French word 'perpétrer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'perpetrate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to accomplish or bring about,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to commit a harmful or illegal act.'