penetrate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to go into or through something, especially when it is hard or thick.
to pass into or through the substance of something; to pierce or enter the interior.
Simple“The rain managed to penetrate his thick winter coat after an hour outside.”
In context“The new drill bit was designed specifically to penetrate reinforced concrete without overheating or dulling the cutting edge.”
UsageOften used with a direct object or with the preposition 'into'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to succeed in understanding something that is difficult or hidden.
to grasp the inner meaning or nature of something complex; to see through a mystery or obstacle.
Simple“Scientists are still trying to penetrate the mysteries of how the brain works.”
In context“Despite years of intensive research, historians have struggled to penetrate the motives behind the king's sudden and unexplained abdication.”
UsageUsually takes a direct object like 'mystery', 'meaning', or 'mind'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
to enter a group or organization secretly to get information.
to gain access to an organization or enemy territory, typically for the purpose of gathering intelligence or influence.
Simple“The undercover agent managed to penetrate the criminal gang over several months.”
In context“The intelligence agency successfully penetrated the network, allowing them to monitor communications for several months before making any arrests.”
UsageCommon in political, military, or corporate contexts.
Synonymsinfiltratepermeate - 04 C1 Advanced
to insert the penis into a partner's body during sex.
to insert the penis into a body orifice; used in clinical, legal, or descriptive sexual contexts.
Simple“The doctor explained the risks of infection during any kind of sexual penetration.”
In context“The legal definition of the act requires proof that the defendant intended to penetrate the victim without consent.”
UsageUsed as a transitive verb in medical or legal documentation.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
to have a very strong effect on someone's feelings.
to affect or move someone profoundly through the senses or emotions.
Simple“The sad music seemed to penetrate her very soul.”
In context“The cold dampness of the cathedral seemed to penetrate his bones, adding to the somber mood of the funeral service.”
“Researchers have found a way to supercharge natural killer cells, powerful immune cells that can attack cancer, so they can penetrate solid tumors and keep fighting once inside.”
“The UV Index is usually lower on cloudy days, but even so, solar radiation can penetrate through the clouds.”
From Latin penētrātus, perfect passive participle of penētrō (“to put, set, or place within, enter, pierce, penetrate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from penes (“within, with”) by analogy to intrō (“to go in, enter”). Compare French pénétrer.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.