Perpetrate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Perpetrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Perpetrating.]
Etymology: [L. perpetratus, p.p. of perpetrare to effect, perpetrare; per + patrare to perform.]
To do or perform; to carry through; to execute, commonly in a bad sense; to commit (as a crime, an offense); to be guilty of; as, to perpetrate a foul deed. What the worst perpetrate, or best endure. Young.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for perpetrate; he lists it under do.
Where he writes about it:
Commit, as applied to actions, is used only of those that are bad, whether grave or trivial; perpetrate is used chiefly of aggravated crimes or, somewhat humorously, of blunders. — from do
A man may commit a sin, a trespass, or a murder; perpetrate an outrage or a felony. — from do