Perpetuates

The word 'perpetuates' means to cause something to continue or endure indefinitely. It implies maintaining or prolonging a situation, condition, or practice, often one that may be undesirable or problematic. It suggests a continuous cycle where actions or circumstances keep a certain pattern or state alive. It can be applied to both abstract concepts like ideologies and concrete elements such as behaviours. A key aspect is that the action or influence continues over time, either intentional or unintentional, thus extending its existence.

Perpetuates meaning with examples

• The company's marketing strategy, heavily reliant on celebrity endorsements, perpetuates the idea that happiness is attainable through consumerism. This constant messaging reinforces materialistic values and keeps people wanting more, thereby creating more revenue for the corporation.
• Ignoring historical injustices perpetuates the cycle of inequality. By refusing to acknowledge past wrongdoings, societies fail to learn from their mistakes, allowing similar issues to resurface and continue to affect marginalized communities.
• The constant news coverage of violence often perpetuates a sense of fear. Repeated exposure to traumatic events desensitizes the public and normalizes anxiety, reinforcing a culture of heightened sensitivity towards dangers that may not be immediate or present.
• The use of fossil fuels, despite knowing the environmental impact, perpetuates climate change. Continued reliance on these resources leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which warms the planet and causes the destructive effects of climate change.