Word
infiltrate
Phoneticsin·fil·trate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪnfɪɫˌtɹeɪt/
UK/ˈɪnfɪltɹˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to secretly enter a place or group to get information or cause damage. In medicine, it describes a liquid or substance slowly moving into a tissue or cell.
v. to gain access to an organisation or place surreptitiously, typically for espionage or subversion. In a physiological context, refers to the permeation of a substance or cells into a tissue or organ.
Examples
“The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy headquarters.”
“Undercover officers were able to infiltrate the criminal gang and gather enough evidence for an arrest.”
“The report detailed how extremist elements attempted to infiltrate local government committees to influence policy from within, while simultaneously maintaining a facade of moderate civic engagement.”
Examples
simple
“The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy headquarters.”
contextual
“Undercover officers were able to infiltrate the criminal gang and gather enough evidence for an arrest.”
complex
“The report detailed how extremist elements attempted to infiltrate local government committees to influence policy from within, while simultaneously maintaining a facade of moderate civic engagement.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Undercover agents infiltrated meetings, private chats and local events.” “In both areas, Russia has captured territory and infiltrated large areas beyond it, but this has come at a cost.” Etymology
From Middle English infiltrate (adjective), from Medieval Latin infiltrātus, from infiltrō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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