infiltrate

Infiltrate is defined as to pass through gaps, particularly into enemy lines or in the case of liquid passing through a substance.

(verb)

An example of to infiltrate is for an army to pass through weak points in the enemy's line and seize the enemy's city.

See infiltrate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb, transitive verb infiltrated, infiltrating

to pass, or cause (a fluid, cell, etc.) to pass, through small gaps or openings; filter
to pass through, as in filtering
to pass, or cause (individual troops) to pass, through weak places in the enemy's lines in order to attack the enemy's flanks or rear
to penetrate, or cause to penetrate (a region or group) gradually or stealthily, so as to attack or to seize control from within

Origin: in- + filtrate

noun

something that infiltrates

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See infiltrate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb in·fil·trat·ed, in·fil·trat·ing, in·fil·trates

verb, transitive

a. To pass (troops, for example) surreptitiously into enemy-held territory.
b. To penetrate with hostile intent: infiltrate enemy lines; terrorists that had infiltrated the country.
To enter or take up positions in gradually or surreptitiously, as for purposes of espionage or takeover: infiltrated key government agencies with spies.
To cause (a liquid, for example) to permeate a substance by passing through its interstices or pores.
To permeate (a porous substance) with a liquid or gas.

verb, intransitive

To gain entrance gradually or surreptitiously.

noun

One that infiltrates, especially an abnormal substance that accumulates gradually in cells or body tissues.

Related Forms: