infiltrate Definition
- 1to secretly become part of a group in order to get information or to influence the way that group thinks or behaves
- 2to enter or gain access to a place or organization surreptitiously, especially in order to spy or cause damage
Using infiltrate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "infiltrate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The spy infiltrated the enemy's headquarters.
Example
The virus infiltrated the computer system.
Example
The organization was infiltrated by undercover agents.
infiltrate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with infiltrate
infiltrate someone's ranks
to join a group or organization in order to secretly gather information or influence its activities
Example
The detective managed to infiltrate the gang and gather evidence against them.
to seep into or penetrate a substance or material
Example
The rainwater infiltrated the soil and replenished the groundwater.
the speed at which water enters the soil or a porous material
Example
The infiltration rate of this soil is very high, which means it can absorb a lot of water quickly.
Origins of infiltrate
from Latin 'infiltratus', past participle of 'infiltrare', meaning 'to filter into'
Summary: infiltrate in Brief
To 'infiltrate' [ɪnˈfɪltrət] means to secretly become part of a group to obtain information or influence behavior. It also refers to surreptitiously entering or gaining access to a place or organization, especially for spying or causing damage. Examples include 'The spy infiltrated the enemy's headquarters' and 'The virus infiltrated the computer system.' 'Infiltrate' extends into phrases like 'infiltrate someone's ranks,' denoting joining a group to gather information, and 'infiltrate water,' referring to seeping into a substance or material.
