transitive verb pierced, piercing pierc′·ing

1. to pass into or through as a pointed instrument does; penetrate; stab
2. to affect sharply the senses or feelings of
3. to make a hole in or through; perforate; bore
4. to make (a hole), as by boring or stabbing
5. to force a way into or through; break through
6. to sound sharply through a shriek pierced the air
7. to penetrate with the sight or mind to pierce a mystery

Etymology: ME percen < OFr percer < VL *pertusiare < L pertusus, pp. of pertundere, to thrust through < per, through + tundere, to strike < IE base *(s)teu-, to push > stock

intransitive verb