infiltrate
|in/fil/trate|
B2
/ˈɪn.fɪl.treɪt/
secret entry
Etymology
Etymology Information
'infiltrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'infiltrare,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'filtrare' meant 'to filter.'
Historical Evolution
'infiltrare' transformed into the French word 'infiltrer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'infiltrate' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to filter into,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to enter or gain access surreptitiously.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to enter or gain access to an organization or place surreptitiously, especially in order to acquire secret information or cause damage.
The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45