Dictionary definition · penetrate
verb
- 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"
- 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"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).