perpetuated
To cause something to continue indefinitely
Examples
In a meeting
“These outdated processes perpetuate inefficiency across the organization.”
Over coffee
“Sharing those rumors just perpetuates the drama.”
Why this word
continued
Continued means kept going, while perpetuated implies causing something to endure indefinitely or longer than natural
maintained
Maintained means kept in existence, while perpetuated specifically means causing to continue through time, often problematically
prolonged
Prolonged means extended in duration, while perpetuated emphasizes making something last indefinitely across generations or contexts
Usage tip
Often used for negative patterns that should stop but keep continuing
Etymology
Latin perpetuare (to make permanent) — per- (through) + petuus (continuous)
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Related words
renew
To extend or restore something for an additional period
resume
To begin again after a pause or interruption
perpetuate
To cause something to continue indefinitely
sporadic
Occurring at irregular intervals or only occasionally
fluctuate
To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
intermittently
Occurring at irregular intervals, not continuously