Pierce
ˈpɪrs
Definitions
2 meaningsTo penetrate or pass through with a pointed instrument; to make a hole or holes in something.
ˈpɪrs
To make a hole or holes in something, especially with a pointed object.
The needle pierced the skin.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a balloon, and you poke it with a needle. You've *pierced* it! It means making a hole or going right through something. Like when you get your ears *pierced*.
👶 For kids: To make a hole in something, like when you get your ears poked with a needle to put a earring in.
More Examples
He pierced the apple with a knife.
The arrow pierced the target.
Her scream pierced the silence.
How It's Used
"The doctor will pierce your skin with a needle to draw blood."
"She decided to pierce her ears."
"The accusation pierced his conscience."
To affect deeply or sharply, as with an emotional or intellectual impact; to understand or realize something suddenly.
ˈpɪrs
To understand or realize something suddenly and clearly.
The realization of what had happened finally pierced through her disbelief.
💡 Simply: Imagine a thought or feeling that's so strong, it cuts through all the other stuff in your head. Like when you suddenly understand something that was confusing. The truth *pierces* through the lies.
👶 For kids: To understand something all of a sudden, like when you get a light bulb moment!
More Examples
The harsh reality pierced the bubble of their idealism.
Her words pierced his defenses.
The memory pierced her heart.
How It's Used
"The truth finally pierced his denial."
"A moment of clarity pierced the fog of her confusion."
Idioms & expressions
pierce the veil
To reveal or uncover something that was previously hidden or secret.
"The investigation helped pierce the veil of secrecy surrounding the company's operations."
pierce someone's heart
To cause someone to feel deep sadness or emotional pain.
"Her words pierced his heart, causing him to feel deep sadness."
From Old French *piercier* (to bore, pierce), from Vulgar Latin *pertūriāre*, from Latin *pertundō* (to pierce through), from *per* (through) + *tundō* (to beat).
Used in literature and everyday language for centuries, the verb 'pierce' has remained fairly consistent in its core meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a sharp object cutting *through* something - that's pierce!
Word Origin
"to bore through, penetrate"