Infiltrated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infiltrated

[ษชnหˆfษชltrษชteษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

secret entry

Infiltrated refers to the act of entering or gaining access to an organization, group, or place, often in a secretive or stealthy manner. This term is commonly associated with covert operations, espionage, or infiltration into a hostile environment.

Synonyms

breached, invaded, penetrated.

Examples of usage

  • The undercover agent infiltrated the enemy's ranks.
  • Hackers had infiltrated the company's computer system.
  • The team was trained to infiltrate enemy territory undetected.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During World War II, intelligence agencies often used infiltration tactics to gather information about enemy movements.
  • The Cold War saw significant infiltration efforts by spies into various governments and organizations, affecting global politics.

Psychology

  • Infiltration tactics may exploit social dynamics like trust and familiarity to gain access to a group.
  • Studies indicate that individuals can be manipulated into accepting infiltrators, especially if they resemble existing group members.

Literature

  • Infiltration is a common theme in spy novels, where protagonists often disguise themselves to uncover secrets.
  • Classic literature often uses characters infiltrating others' lives to explore themes of identity and deception.

Pop Culture

  • Popular films like 'Mission: Impossible' feature infiltration as a core plot element, showcasing high-stakes espionage.
  • Video games, such as 'Metal Gear Solid', often include mechanics where players must infiltrate enemy bases to achieve objectives.

Origin of 'infiltrated'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'infiltrare', meaning 'to filter in'.
  • It was first used in English around the late 19th century, primarily in military and espionage contexts.

The word 'infiltrate' originates from the Latin word 'infiltrare', which is composed of 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'filtrare' meaning 'to filter'. The term developed in the 20th century, primarily associated with military strategies and espionage activities. Infiltration tactics became prominent during both World Wars, as intelligence operations sought to penetrate enemy defenses and gather vital information. In modern usage, it extends beyond military contexts to include cybersecurity and law enforcement, reflecting the broadening of its application in various fields.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,594, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.