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pen·e·trate

penetrate

 
 
pronunciation:
pe n treIt
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: penetrates, penetrating, penetrated
definition 1: to pierce or go into or through; enter or pass through the interior of.
He jumped a little when the needle penetrated his skin.The explorers penetrated the jungle.
synonyms:
enter, pierce
similar words:
bore, cleave, puncture, spike, transfix
definition 2: to enter into and spread widely throughout.
Christianity eventually penetrated the entire region.
synonyms:
impregnate, interpenetrate, permeate, transfuse
similar words:
fill, imbue, infiltrate, invade, osmose, overrun, pervade, saturate, suffuse
definition 3: to make a deep impression on (the mind, feelings, or the like).
Pangs of guilt penetrated his soul.
synonyms:
pierce, prick
similar words:
impress, stab, stir, strike, suffuse
definition 4: to see through, perceive, or understand (something hidden or complicated).
His eyes couldn't penetrate the fog.I easily penetrated her disguise.Scientists penetrated the secrets of the atom.
synonyms:
fathom
similar words:
decipher, deduce, discern, grasp, master, solve, unravel, untangle
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to pierce or go into or through something; pass into or through an interior area.
The needle penetrates easily.
synonyms:
enter, pierce
definition 2: to enter into and spread throughout something.
This skin cream penetrates deeply.Christianity penetrated into the territory.
synonyms:
permeate, soak
similar words:
interpenetrate, osmose, seep, spread
definition 3: to make a deep impression on the mind or feelings; be recognized or grasped as true or important.
The significance of his remark didn't penetrate until later.
synonyms:
make a dent
similar words:
impress, register, sink in, soak
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derivation: penetrator (n.)