penetrate penetrate /ˈpɛnəˌtreɪt/

verb

1. () Pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance  ( perforate , penetrate )
   pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
    The bullet penetrated her chest
   The bullet penetrated her chest
   
2. () Come to understand  ( bottom , penetrate , fathom )
   come to understand
     I can't fathom why she would make such a reckless decision.
   I can't fathom why she would make such a reckless decision.
   
3. () Become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions  ( click , fall into place , get through , come home , dawn , get across , penetrate , sink in )
   become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
    It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
   It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
    She was penetrated with sorrow
   she was penetrated with sorrow
   
4. Spread or diffuse through  ( imbue , interpenetrate , penetrate , diffuse , permeate , pervade , riddle )
   spread or diffuse through
    An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration
   An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration
    Music penetrated the entire building
   music penetrated the entire building
    His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks
   His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks
   
5. Insert the penis into the vagina or anus of  ( penetrate )
   insert the penis into the vagina or anus of
    Did the molester penetrate the child?
   Did the molester penetrate the child?
   
6. Make one's way deeper into or through  ( penetrate )
   make one's way deeper into or through
    The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest
   The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest
   
7. Enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members  ( penetrate , infiltrate )
   enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members
    The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor
   The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor