Infiltrator: meaning, definitions and examples

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infiltrator

 

[ ˈɪnfɪltreɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military/espionage

An infiltrator is a person who secretly enters or gains access to a place or organization, typically with the intention of carrying out subversive activities. In a military context, infiltrators are often part of a tactical strategy used to gather intelligence or to undermine enemy operations. They may blend in with the local population or disguise themselves to avoid detection. Infiltration can occur in various sectors, including political, corporate, and social arenas.

Synonyms

interloper, intruder, penetrator, spy, subversive

Examples of usage

  • The infiltrator managed to penetrate the enemy lines without being detected.
  • She worked as an infiltrator for the intelligence agency, gathering crucial information.
  • The marketing team employed an infiltrator to understand their competitors' strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "infiltrator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infiltrador

🇮🇳 घुसपैठिया

🇩🇪 Infiltrator

🇮🇩 infiltrator

🇺🇦 інфільтратор

🇵🇱 infiltrator

🇯🇵 インフィルレーター

🇫🇷 infiltrateur

🇪🇸 infiltrador

🇹🇷 sızma

🇰🇷 침투자

🇸🇦 infiltrator

🇨🇿 infiltrátor

🇸🇰 infiltrátor

🇨🇳 渗透者

🇸🇮 infiltrator

🇮🇸 innrásamaður

🇰🇿 инфильтратор

🇬🇪 ინფილტრატორი

🇦🇿 sızma

🇲🇽 infiltrador

Etymology

The term 'infiltrator' originates from the verb 'infiltrate', which is derived from the Latin word 'infiltrare', meaning 'to filter in'. The prefix 'in-' indicates 'into', while 'filtrare' relates to filtering. First used in English around the late 19th century, it initially described the process of permeation or penetration, particularly in military and scientific contexts. Over time, the use of the term expanded to label individuals who engage in clandestine activities, especially in warfare and espionage. The concept of infiltration has deep historical roots, as armies have long sent scouts or spies into enemy territory to gather information or disrupt operations.