Infiltration: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something sneaks into a place or organization without being detected. Often used in military, espionage, or cybersecurity contexts.

• The hackers managed the infiltration of the company's database without anyone noticing.
• The spy's successful infiltration into the enemy base provided crucial information.

Used to describe the act of breaking through or entering something forcefully or with difficulty. Commonly used in military, business, and technical contexts.

• The market penetration of the new smartphone was quicker than expected.
• The army's penetration into enemy territory was met with heavy resistance.

Refers to the large-scale entry of armed forces into a territory, often with the intent of conquest or occupation. Can also be used metaphorically.

• The invasion of the country led to widespread destruction and displacement.
• The students felt an invasion of their privacy when the principal read their text messages.

Generally describes a sudden or brief invasion or attack, often with a specific and limited goal. Can apply to both military and non-military contexts.

• The soldiers were ordered to repel the enemy incursion at the border.
• The frequent incursions of wild animals into the village became a serious problem for the residents.

Used mainly in military or espionage contexts when describing the secret or stealthy entry of agents, spies, or forces into an area or organization.

• The spy was skilled in infiltration tactics.
• Infiltration of enemy lines requires careful planning.

Used mainly in scientific contexts to describe the process by which a substance passes through a material or space. Typically used in chemistry, physics, and engineering.

• The permeation of gases through the membrane was measured.
• Studies have shown how the permeation of pollutants occurs in groundwater.

Often used in industrial contexts when referring to the process of saturating a material with a particular substance. It can also be used in a biological context relating to reproduction.

• The wood undergoes impregnation to make it more resistant to water.
• Artificial impregnation techniques have advanced significantly in recent years.

Used when something, often covertly or stealthily, enters or penetrates a place, organization, or system.

• The spy's infiltration of the enemy base was successful
• The security team was worried about infiltration by hackers

Generally used in scientific or environmental contexts to describe the process of a liquid slowly passing through a filter, porous substance, or granular material.

• Percolation of water through soil can cleanse it of impurities
• The coffee preparation process involves the percolation of water through coffee grounds

Refers to the slow escape of a liquid or gas through small holes or porous material, often used in environmental or engineering contexts.

• Seepage from the old pipes caused the basement to flood
• Oil seepage into the river led to serious environmental concerns