penetrate
pen|etrate /p'enɪtreɪt/ (penetrates penetrating penetrated)
1 [VERB] V n
If something or someone penetrates a physical object or an area, they succeed in getting into it or passing through it.
X-rays can penetrate many objects...
● penetration [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl
The exterior walls are three to three and a half feet thick to prevent penetration by bombs.
2 [VERB] V n
If someone penetrates an organization, a group, or a profession, they succeed in entering it although it is difficult to do so.
...the continuing failure of women to penetrate the higher levels of engineering...
3 [VERB] V n
If someone penetrates an enemy group or a rival organization, they succeed in joining it in order to get information or cause trouble.
The CIA had requested our help to penetrate a drugs ring operating out of Munich...
= infiltrate
● penetration [N-UNCOUNT] with supp
...the successful penetration by the KGB of the French intelligence service.
= infiltration
4 [VERB] V n
If a company or country penetrates a market or area, they succeed in selling their products there. (BUSINESS)
There have been around 15 attempts from outside France to penetrate the market.
● penetration [N-UNCOUNT] with supp
...import penetration across a broad range of heavy industries.
1 [VERB] V n
If something or someone penetrates a physical object or an area, they succeed in getting into it or passing through it.
X-rays can penetrate many objects...
● penetration [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl
The exterior walls are three to three and a half feet thick to prevent penetration by bombs.
2 [VERB] V n
If someone penetrates an organization, a group, or a profession, they succeed in entering it although it is difficult to do so.
...the continuing failure of women to penetrate the higher levels of engineering...
3 [VERB] V n
If someone penetrates an enemy group or a rival organization, they succeed in joining it in order to get information or cause trouble.
The CIA had requested our help to penetrate a drugs ring operating out of Munich...
= infiltrate
● penetration [N-UNCOUNT] with supp
...the successful penetration by the KGB of the French intelligence service.
= infiltration
4 [VERB] V n
If a company or country penetrates a market or area, they succeed in selling their products there. (BUSINESS)
There have been around 15 attempts from outside France to penetrate the market.
● penetration [N-UNCOUNT] with supp
...import penetration across a broad range of heavy industries.