ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pierce

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɪɹs// UK //pˈiəs// pierce

v. to make a small hole in something using a sharp point. You might do this to your ears for jewelry or to a piece of paper with a needle.

v. to puncture or penetrate a surface with a sharp instrument. Often used in the context of body modification or describing a sharp sound or light that breaks through a barrier.


SIMPLE

She decided to pierce her ears for her birthday.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef used a small needle to pierce the skin of the duck before roasting it.

COMPLEX

A sudden, high-pitched whistle managed to pierce the heavy silence of the abandoned warehouse, causing the investigators to stop in their tracks.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it can also be used figuratively with light or sound.

Pitfall

She pierced her ears with a jewelry.She pierced her ears for jewelry.Learners sometimes use 'with' to mean 'for the purpose of', but 'pierce with' should only be followed by the instrument used, like a needle.

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