Perp

A slang abbreviation for "perpetrator," referring to a person who commits a crime or does something morally wrong. This term is frequently used in law enforcement and media reports to identify the individual responsible for an offense. The word carries a neutral tone, simply highlighting responsibility for an action, without implying the extent of guilt or severity of the crime. It's a more informal and often quicker alternative to phrases like "the accused" or "the suspect," and is employed in various contexts, from serious investigations to more lighthearted discussions about mischievous acts.

Perp meaning with examples

• The police are still searching for the perp who broke into the jewelry store last night. Investigators are collecting evidence from the scene, including security camera footage and eyewitness accounts, to help identify and apprehend the individual responsible. The local community is on edge, hoping for the perp to be swiftly brought to justice.
• After the prank on the school principal, everyone was trying to figure out who the perp was. Students exchanged rumors, and the school's CCTV footage was reviewed. The search intensified as everyone was keen to know the perp.
• In the TV show, the detective was determined to catch the perp behind the string of burglaries, methodically piecing together the clues and following leads. They believed the perp had a signature style in the crimes, making the hunt easier. They were always a step away from the perp.
• The news report focused on the perp responsible for the cyberattack. It detailed the damage caused by the attack and described the steps the authorities were taking to trace and apprehend the individual or group behind the incident. They tracked the perp through digital trails.