Meaning & Definition of word "Penetrate"
Penetrate
/ˈpɛn.ɪ.treɪt/
verb:
- 1. to succeed in forcing a way into or through (a barrier); to break through.
- Example: The roots of the tree can penetrate deep into the soil.
- 2. to understand or figure out something deeply.
- Example: Her analysis of the poem helped me penetrate its deeper meanings.
- 3. to infiltrate or gain access to an organization, group, or area.
- Example: The spy was able to penetrate the enemy's defenses.
- 4. to strike or hit a target with a weapon or projectile.
- Example: The bullet was able to penetrate the armor.
Etymology
●From Latin 'penetrare', meaning 'to enter, penetrate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
penetrate someone's defenses:
To find a way to overcome obstacles or barriers in a person's emotional or psychological protection.
penetrate the darkness:
To see or understand something hidden or obscured.
penetrate a market:
To successfully enter a new market area with products or services.
Related Words
penetration:
The act of penetrating or the state of being penetrated.
penetrable:
Capable of being penetrated; allowing passage.
pene:
Referring to something related to penetration, often in medical or anatomical contexts.
Slang Meanings of penetrate
Meaning: To engage in sexual intercourse.
● Example Sentence: They decided to penetrate each other's personal space.
Meaning: To understand someone deeply or intimately.
● Example Sentence: He really penetrated her thoughts during their talk.