Infiltrator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
infiltrator
[หษชnfษชltreษชtษr ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Infiltrators are common in movies and books, typically portrayed as spies or secret agents.
- The iconic character Jason Bourne from the Bourne series exemplifies an infiltrator who uses stealth and intelligence.
History
- Throughout history, armies have used infiltrators to gather intelligence about enemy plans and movements.
- During the Cold War, spies frequently acted as infiltrators to gain access to sensitive information.
Technology
- In the digital world, computer hackers are often referred to as infiltrators when they gain unauthorized access to networks.
- Cybersecurity has become increasingly important to prevent digital infiltrators from stealing personal and private data.
Psychology
- Infiltrators often rely on traits like deception and social manipulation to blend into their surroundings.
- Studies in social psychology show that individuals can develop adaptive strategies to gather information without being noticed.
Origin of 'infiltrator'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'infiltrare,' meaning to 'filter in' or 'to enter stealthily.'
- It started being used in English in the mid-20th century, often in military and espionage contexts.
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.