penetrate meaning and definition

PENETRATE verb

Definition of penetrate (verb)

1. pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
   • "The bullet penetrated her chest"
   • synonyms: perforate
2. come to understand
   • synonyms: bottom, fathom
3. become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
   • "It dawned on him that she had betrayed him"; "she was penetrated with sorrow"
   • synonyms: click, come home, dawn, fall into place, get across, get through, sink in
4. enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members
   • "The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor"
   • synonyms: infiltrate
5. make one's way deeper into or through
   • "The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest"
6. insert the penis into the vagina or anus of
   • "Did the molester penetrate the child?"
7. spread or diffuse through
   • "An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration"; "music penetrated the entire building"; "His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks"
   • synonyms: diffuse, imbue, interpenetrate, permeate, pervade, riddle