Infiltrate
/ˈɪnfɪltreɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo secretly enter or gain access to a place, organization, or group, often to obtain information or influence.
/ˈɪnfɪltreɪt/
To enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) secretly and gradually, especially in order to acquire secret information.
The reporter infiltrated the gang to expose its illegal activities.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a secret agent in a game. Infiltrate means you sneak into a place or group, like a spy, to find out what's happening without anyone knowing you're there. It's like when you're trying to find out what your friends are planning for your surprise party!
👶 For kids: To sneak into a place or group quietly, like a secret agent.
More Examples
Security personnel infiltrated the protest to monitor the situation.
A software bug can infiltrate your system without you noticing.
How It's Used
"The spies infiltrated the enemy base under the cover of darkness."
"The activist group sought to infiltrate the political establishment."
"A new company successfully infiltrated the market with innovative products."
To cause a liquid or substance to enter or pass through something, especially slowly.
/ˈɪnfɪltreɪt/
To cause (a liquid or other substance) to slowly enter or pass into something by filtering or permeating.
The dye infiltrated the fabric, changing its color.
💡 Simply: Like when water soaks slowly into the ground after it rains, or when a medicine slowly spreads into your body. It's like the stuff is seeping in.
👶 For kids: To slowly go inside something, like water soaking into the ground.
More Examples
The poison infiltrated the system, leading to severe consequences.
Water infiltrated the basement during the heavy storm.
How It's Used
"The anesthetic infiltrated the tissues before the surgery."
"Rainwater infiltrates the soil."
Idioms & expressions
infiltrate the inner circle
To gain access to a core group or the most influential people in an organization.
"The new hire was determined to infiltrate the inner circle of the company."
infiltrate a market
To gain a foothold and begin competing in an industry, sector, or market.
"The company developed a unique strategy to infiltrate the market and gain a competitive advantage."
From Late Latin infiltratus, past participle of *infiltrāre*, from *in* (into) + *filtrāre* (to filter).
Used since the 17th century, initially to describe the slow permeation of fluids. Later expanded to include secret entry into groups or organizations.
Memory tip
Think of a soldier carefully stepping *in* and *filtering* into enemy territory, gathering intel.