# penetrate

/ˈpɛnəˌtɹeɪt/ (US) · /pˈɛnɪtɹˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/penetrate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to enter or pierce

verb · CEFR B2

to go into or through something, especially when it is hard or thick.

For teachers: to pass into or through the substance of something; to pierce or enter the interior.

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

### 2. to understand

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to succeed in understanding something that is difficult or hidden.

For teachers: to grasp the inner meaning or nature of something complex; to see through a mystery or obstacle.

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

### 3. to infiltrate

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to enter a group or organization secretly to get information.

For teachers: to gain access to an organization or enemy territory, typically for the purpose of gathering intelligence or influence.

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

### 4. sexual act

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

to insert the penis into a partner's body during sex.

For teachers: to insert the penis into a body orifice; used in clinical, legal, or descriptive sexual contexts.

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

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: to affect or move someone profoundly through the senses or emotions.

- The sad music seemed to penetrate her very soul.
- The cold dampness of the cathedral seemed to penetrate his bones, adding to the somber mood of the funeral service.

## Examples

- The arrow penetrated the thick wood.
- The journalist tried to penetrate the tight circle of politicians surrounding the president.
- The documentary aims to penetrate the complex layers of corporate bureaucracy to reveal the human cost of efficiency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.