pierce

verb \ˈpirs\

: to make a hole in or through (something)

: to go through or into (something) in a forceful or noticeable way

piercedpierc·ing

Full Definition of PIERCE

transitive verb

a : to run into or through as a pointed weapon does : stab

b : to enter or thrust into sharply or painfully

: to make a hole through : perforate

: to force or make a way into or through

: to penetrate with the eye or mind : discern

: to penetrate so as to move or touch the emotions of

intransitive verb

: to force a way into or through something

— pierc·er noun

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Origin of PIERCE

Middle English percen, from Anglo-French percer, from Vulgar Latin *pertusiare, from Latin pertusus, past participle of pertundere to perforate, from per- through + tundere to beat — more at per-, contusion

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PIERCE

Synonyms: access, penetrate, enter

Antonyms: depart, exit, leave

Synonym Discussion of PIERCE

enter, penetrate, pierce, probe mean to make way into something. enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in <entered the city in triumph>. penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance <the enemy penetrated the fortress>. pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument <pierced the boil with a lancet>. probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge <probed the depths of the sea>.