perpetuate
verb C1
Plain meaning
to make a bad situation, belief, or problem continue for longer
Exam-register meaning
to sustain or preserve a social pattern, inequality, misconception, or harmful practice over time
In context
generalSharing fake news can perpetuate harmful rumours.
examUnequal access to quality schooling can perpetuate social inequality across generations.
Common collocations
perpetuate inequalityperpetuate stereotypesperpetuate a cycle
Watch out
Do not confuse 'perpetuate' with 'perpetrate'. People perpetrate a crime; systems may perpetuate inequality.
Word family
perpetuation (noun)perpetual (adjective)perpetually (adverb)