permeate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To spread through every part of something.

   The smell of fresh bread permeated the whole house.

2. 2
   verb

   To spread through and affect a group, place, or feeling.

   A sense of distrust permeated the entire meeting.

3. 3
   verb

   To pass through a material that has small holes or spaces.

   Water permeates sand very easily.

First attested in 1656; borrowed from Latin permeātus, perfect passive participle of permeō (“to pass through”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix).

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