penetrate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To go into or pass through something, often by force.

   The bullet penetrated the thick wooden door.

2. 2
   verb

   To make your way deep into or through something.

   The explorers could not penetrate the dense forest.

3. 3
   verb

   To understand something difficult or hidden.

   No one could penetrate the meaning of his strange remarks.

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.

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