Infiltrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
infiltrate
[หษชn.fษชl.treษชt ]
Definitions
espionage
To secretly enter or join a group or organization, especially in order to gather information or cause damage.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infiltrate |
Used when someone or something secretly enters a place or organization to gather information or accomplish a specific goal. Often related to spies or undercover operations.
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| penetrate |
Used to describe entering through or into something, often with difficulty or force. Can be applied to both tangible and intangible objects like ideas or markets.
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| invade |
Commonly used to describe an aggressive entry into a place, typically involving a large group or force. Often associated with military actions or overwhelming intrusions.
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| intrude |
Applied when someone enters a place or interrupts a situation without permission, causing unwanted disruption. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses and often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters without being detected.
- The hacker attempted to infiltrate the company's database to steal sensitive information.
medical
To pass into or through a substance or area where it is not supposed to be.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infiltrate |
This is often used in situations involving secretive or clandestine actions, such as espionage or undercover operations. It can have a negative connotation, especially when referring to someone entering an organization to cause harm or gather information illicitly.
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| permeate |
Permeate is used when something spreads throughout an area, substance, or group, often naturally and gradually. It is commonly used in scientific or descriptive contexts.
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| seep |
Seep describes a slow, gradual movement of a liquid or substance through small openings, or the spread of something intangible like an idea or feeling. It often has a more passive connotation.
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| penetrate |
Penetrate is typically used to describe breaking through a barrier or gaining access to something with some level of difficulty. This term is versatile and can apply to both physical and non-physical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The dye injected into the patient's bloodstream began to infiltrate the surrounding tissues.
- Water can infiltrate the soil and reach the roots of plants.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Military Tactics
- In military contexts, to infiltrate means to secretly enter enemy territory to gather intelligence or disrupt operations.
- Special forces often use infiltration as a tactic to perform surprise attacks or reconnaissance missions.
- Techniques like camouflaging and using hidden entry points are typical in infiltration strategies.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'Mission Impossible' and 'Ocean's Eleven' feature plots centered around infiltrating secure locations for missions.
- Video games often depict infiltration techniques, where players must sneak past guards or security systems to achieve objectives.
- Literature, particularly thrillers, often involves characters infiltrating criminal organizations to expose corruption or save the day.
Biology
- In environmental science, infiltration refers to how water enters the soil and is critical for understanding ecosystems and agriculture.
- Certain plants are known for their ability to infiltrate hard soil, spreading their roots widely to access nutrients.
- Infiltration is also a concern in urban planning, where stormwater management tries to prevent excess water from infiltrating into sewers.
Psychology
- In social psychology, the concept of infiltration is used metaphorically to discuss how new members can enter social groups and influence culture.
- Group dynamics can shift significantly when someone infiltrates with different ideas or values, leading to conflicts or acceptance.
- Understanding how groups filter outsiders can help in team building and improving workplace relationships.
Origin of 'infiltrate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'infiltrate' comes from the Latin 'infiltratus', meaning 'to filter in', combining 'in' (into) and 'filtare' (to filter).
- It was first used in English around the early 20th century, gaining prominence during military and espionage discussions.
- The concept often relates to processes that allow something to pass through barriers, like liquids in filtration.
The word 'infiltrate' has its origins in the Latin word 'infiltrare', meaning 'to filter'. It was first recorded in English in the late 18th century. The term gained popularity during times of warfare and espionage, referring to the act of secretly entering enemy territory. Over time, 'infiltrate' has expanded its usage to various fields, including medicine and technology.