Penetrate

/ˈpɛn.ɪ.treɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to succeed in forcing a way into or through (a barrier); to break through.

The roots of the tree can penetrate deep into the soil.

to understand or figure out something deeply.

Her analysis of the poem helped me penetrate its deeper meanings.

to infiltrate or gain access to an organization, group, or area.

The spy was able to penetrate the enemy's defenses.

to strike or hit a target with a weapon or projectile.

The bullet was able to penetrate the armor.

From Latin 'penetrare', meaning 'to enter, penetrate'.

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.

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.

To engage in sexual intercourse.

They decided to penetrate each other's personal space.

To understand someone deeply or intimately.

He really penetrated her thoughts during their talk.