What does "penetrate" mean?

1. (to enter or pierce) to go into or through something, especially when it is hard or thick. 2. (to understand) to succeed in understanding something that is difficult or hidden. 3. (to infiltrate) to enter a group or organization secretly to get information. 4. (sexual act) to insert the penis into a partner's body during sex. 5. (to affect deeply) to have a very strong effect on someone's feelings.

How do you use "penetrate"?

Often used with a direct object or with the preposition 'into'. Usually takes a direct object like 'mystery', 'meaning', or 'mind'. Common in political, military, or corporate contexts. Used as a transitive verb in medical or legal documentation.

penetrate

US //ˈpɛnəˌtɹeɪt// UK //pˈɛnɪtɹˌeɪt// pen·e·trate

1 to enter or pierce (v.)
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.

Example

The rain managed to penetrate his thick winter coat after an hour outside.

Example

The new drill bit was designed specifically to penetrate reinforced concrete without overheating or dulling the cutting edge.

Usage

Often used with a direct object or with the preposition 'into'.
- pierce
- enter
- perforate
- exit
- withdraw
2 to understand (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

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.

Example

Scientists are still trying to penetrate the mysteries of how the brain works.

Example

Despite years of intensive research, historians have struggled to penetrate the motives behind the king's sudden and unexplained abdication.

Usage

Usually takes a direct object like 'mystery', 'meaning', or 'mind'.
- misunderstand

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3 to infiltrate (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

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.

Example

The undercover agent managed to penetrate the criminal gang over several months.

Example

The intelligence agency successfully penetrated the network, allowing them to monitor communications for several months before making any arrests.

Usage

Common in political, military, or corporate contexts.
- infiltrate
- permeate
4 sexual act (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal Medicine

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.

Example

The doctor explained the risks of infection during any kind of sexual penetration.

Example

The legal definition of the act requires proof that the defendant intended to penetrate the victim without consent.

Usage

Used as a transitive verb in medical or legal documentation.
5 to affect deeply (v.)
C2 Proficiency Literary

to have a very strong effect on someone's feelings.

to affect or move someone profoundly through the senses or emotions.

Example

The sad music seemed to penetrate her very soul.

Example

The cold dampness of the cathedral seemed to penetrate his bones, adding to the somber mood of the funeral service.

Origin

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.

Word family

Verbpenetrate
Nounpenetration