penetrate
penetrate Lexical Profile
penetrate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To pass into or through an object, substance, or barrier, often by overcoming physical resistance.
"The heavy rain began to penetrate the tent's outer fabric after several hours."
To gain access to or establish a presence within an organization, market, or restricted group.
"The software startup struggled to penetrate the highly competitive international market."
To succeed in understanding or gaining insight into something complex, mysterious, or obscure.
"Historians have worked for decades to penetrate the mysteries of the ancient script."
• Rhymes for penetrate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin 'penetratus', the past participle of 'penetrare' ('to put or get inside, enter'), which is related to 'penitus' ('inner, deep') and the Penates, the household gods of the Roman inner storeroom.