perpetrators
word · lemma: perpetrator
Definition
People who have committed a crime or done something wrong, especially someone officially accused or found guilty of an illegal act.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in legal, journalistic, or formal contexts; refers specifically to the people who carried out an act (usually a crime). Often appears as 'the perpetrators of the crime'. Not used for minor accidents or mistakes.
Example Sentences
The police arrested the perpetrators of the theft.
basic
The perpetrators have not been identified yet.
basic
Many perpetrators try to escape after committing a crime.
basic
Authorities are searching for the perpetrators behind last night's incident.
natural
Rumors spread quickly before the perpetrators were even caught.
natural
Often, the real perpetrators hide in plain sight.
natural