penetrating Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
   penetrate; perforate.
   
   • The bullet penetrated her chest
2. verb come to understand
   penetrate; fathom; bottom.
   
3. verb become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
   get through; get across; sink in; come home; fall into place; penetrate; dawn; click.
   
   • It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
   • she was penetrated with sorrow
4. verb enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members
   penetrate; infiltrate.
   
   • The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor
5. verb make one's way deeper into or through
   penetrate.
   
   • The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest
6. verb insert the penis into the vagina or anus of
   penetrate.
   
   • Did the molester penetrate the child?
7. verb spread or diffuse through
   riddle; permeate; interpenetrate; pervade; penetrate; diffuse; imbue.
   
   • An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration
   • music penetrated the entire building
   • His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks
8. adjective satellite having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
   acute; incisive; penetrative; piercing; discriminating; keen; sharp; knifelike.
   
   • an acute observer of politics and politicians
   • incisive comments
   • icy knifelike reasoning
   • as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang
   • penetrating insight
   • frequent penetrative observations
9. adjective satellite tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing
   penetrative.
   
   • a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface
   • a cold penetrating wind
   • a penetrating odor

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