Infiltration: meaning, definitions and examples

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infiltration

 

[ ˌɪn.fɪlˈtreɪ.ʃən ]

Context #1

military operation

The act of secretly entering, passing through, or spreading through an area or organization, especially for the purpose of espionage or sabotage.

Synonyms

incursion, invasion, penetration

Examples of usage

  • The infiltration of enemy lines by special forces.
  • Counter-infiltration measures were put in place to prevent spies from entering the country.
  • The spy's infiltration of the government agency went undetected for years.
Context #2

medical

The diffusion or accumulation of substances in tissues or cells.

Synonyms

impregnation, permeation

Examples of usage

  • The infiltration of the anesthetic into the skin before surgery.
  • Tumor infiltration of surrounding tissues can be a sign of cancer.
Context #3

environmental

The movement of water through the soil and rock layers.

Synonyms

percolation, seepage

Examples of usage

  • Rainwater infiltration is important for groundwater recharge.
  • Soil infiltration rates can affect flooding and erosion.

Translations

Translations of the word "infiltration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infiltração

🇮🇳 प्रवेशन

🇩🇪 Infiltration

🇮🇩 infiltrasi

🇺🇦 інфільтрація

🇵🇱 infiltracja

🇯🇵 浸透

🇫🇷 infiltration

🇪🇸 infiltración

🇹🇷 infiltrasyon

🇰🇷 침투

🇸🇦 تسلل

🇨🇿 infiltrace

🇸🇰 infiltrácia

🇨🇳 渗透

🇸🇮 infiltracija

🇮🇸 innrás

🇰🇿 инфильтрация

🇬🇪 ინფილტრაცია

🇦🇿 infiltrasiya

🇲🇽 infiltración

Word origin

The word 'infiltration' originated in the late 18th century, derived from the Latin word 'infiltratio' meaning 'a flowing in'. It was initially used in a medical context to describe the process of substances diffusing into tissues. Over time, the term expanded to include military and environmental contexts, reflecting the idea of something permeating or spreading through a barrier. Today, 'infiltration' is commonly associated with espionage, but its usage spans various fields beyond the military.

See also: infiltrating.