perpetrator
word
Definition
A perpetrator is a person who commits a crime or does something wrong, especially something illegal or harmful.
Usage & Nuances
Formal, mainly legal or news contexts. Usually refers to the person responsible for a crime or serious wrongdoing. Common collocations: 'the perpetrator of the crime', 'identify the perpetrator', 'bring the perpetrator to justice'. Rarely used in everyday casual conversation.
Example Sentences
The police are searching for the perpetrator of the robbery.
basic
It took months to catch the perpetrator.
basic
The perpetrator confessed to the crime in court.
basic
They're still trying to figure out who the real perpetrator is.
natural
Many perpetrators go unpunished because there's not enough evidence.
natural
The store owner described the perpetrator to the police in detail.
natural