The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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penetrate

verb

/ˈpɛnɪtreɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of penetrate

To enter or pass through a physical or metaphorical barrier, obstacle, or surface.
"The burglar was able to penetrate the building's security system undetected."

Detailed meaning of penetrate

In the physical sense, penetration can refer to an object or substance entering another material or surface, such as a bullet penetrating a wall. In a metaphorical sense, penetration can refer to the act of understanding or gaining insight into a complex subject or situation. For example, a researcher may seek to penetrate the mysteries of a disease by conducting extensive research and analysis. Penetration can also be used in a social or emotional context, such as a person penetrating someone's defenses to gain their trust or understanding their emotions. In general, the concept of penetration suggests an act of entering or making progress into something that was previously inaccessible or difficult to understand.

Example sentences containing penetrate

1. The drill was powerful enough to penetrate even the hardest surfaces.
2. The detective worked tirelessly to penetrate the suspect's alibi.
3. The new marketing campaign was designed to penetrate a previously untapped market.
4. The intense heat caused the sun's rays to penetrate deep into the skin.
5. The hackers were able to penetrate the company's computer network and steal sensitive data.
6. The powerful telescope allowed astronomers to penetrate deeper into space than ever before.

History and etymology of penetrate

The verb 'penetrate' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'penetrare,' which means 'to enter' or 'to pierce.' In Latin, 'penetrare' was used to describe the act of entering or passing through something, often with a sense of force or determination. Over time, this term made its way into English as 'penetrate,' retaining its core meaning of entering or passing through a physical or metaphorical barrier, obstacle, or surface. The etymology of 'penetrate' underscores the idea of a decisive or forceful entry, emphasizing the act of breaking through boundaries or barriers to access what lies beyond.

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Further usage examples of penetrate

1. The athlete's powerful shot was able to penetrate the goalkeeper's defenses and score a goal.
2. The secret agent was able to penetrate the enemy's inner circle and gather valuable intelligence.
3. The radar system was able to penetrate through clouds and other forms of interference.
4. The specialized equipment was needed to penetrate the thick layers of ice.
5. The company's sales team was struggling to penetrate the highly competitive market.
6. Bullets can penetrate steel, revealing their destructive force.
7. His insights deeply penetrate complex scientific concepts.
8. Sunlight struggles to penetrate the dense jungle canopy.
9. Determination can penetrate even the toughest challenges.
10. Innovations in medicine continue to penetrate new frontiers.
11. Her smile had the power to penetrate the coldest hearts.
12. Spies aim to penetrate enemy intelligence networks.
13. Technology has the ability to penetrate global markets.
14. Love can penetrate the darkest corners of despair.
15. Truth has the strength to penetrate layers of deception.
16. Raindrops gently penetrate the earth, nourishing life.
17. The team sought to penetrate the mysteries of the cosmos.
18. Ideas have the potential to penetrate societal norms.
19. Light can penetrate the thickest fog, illuminating the way.
20. Courage enables individuals to penetrate their fears.
21. Art has the ability to penetrate the depths of the soul.
22. Resilience allows us to penetrate adversity's barriers.
23. Music can penetrate the heart, stirring emotions deeply.
24. The explorer hoped to penetrate uncharted territories.
25. Friendship can penetrate cultural differences, uniting people.
26. Laughter has the power to penetrate despair's darkness.
27. Dreams can penetrate the boundaries of reality.
28. Kindness can penetrate even the toughest exteriors.
29. Insights have the potential to penetrate complex problems.
30. Innovation aims to penetrate markets with new solutions.