pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance;"The bullet penetrated her chest"
come to understand
become clear or enter one"s consciousness or emotions;"It dawned on him that she had betrayed him" "she was penetrated with sorrow"
enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members;"The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor"
make one"s way deeper into or through;"The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest"
insert the penis into the vagina or anus of;"Did the molester penetrate the child?"
spread or diffuse through;"An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration" "music penetrated the entire building" "His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks"
1520s, from Latin penetratus, past participle of penetrare "to put or get into, enter into," related to penitus "within, inmost," penus "innermost part of a temple, store of food," penates "household gods." Related: Penetrated; penetrating.
