Word Games Pro Dictionary

penetrate

verb

become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
9
Starts with
P
Ends with
E
Contains
EN
Scrabble score
11
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ˈpɛnɪtɹeɪt

Listen

Audio Pronunciation

Audio pronunciation is unavailable for this word.

Meaning

Definitions

verb

  1. become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions

    “It dawned on him that she had betrayed him”

verb

  1. come to understand

verb

  1. pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

    “The bullet penetrated her chest”

verb

  1. spread or diffuse through

    “An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration”

verb

  1. insert the penis into the vagina or anus of

    “Did the molester penetrate the child?”

verb

  1. make one's way deeper into or through

    “The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest”

verb

  1. enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members

    “The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor”

In context

Example Sentences

It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
she was penetrated with sorrow
The bullet penetrated her chest
An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration
music penetrated the entire building
His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks
Did the molester penetrate the child?
The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest
The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor

Similar words

Synonyms

Scroll to Top