What does "infiltrate" mean?
Any undesirable substance or group of cells that has made its way into part of the body.
Infiltrate
/ˈɪnfəltɹeɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any undesirable substance or group of cells that has made its way into part of the body.
- Grammar: infiltrate is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: penetrate, absorb, adsorb, advance.
- Useful contrasts: exfiltrate.
- Usage evidence: They will infiltrate our network unless we do something to stop them.
How to use "infiltrate"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "infiltrate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "infiltrate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "infiltrate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "infiltrate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "infiltrate" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "penetrate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "infiltrate", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any undesirable substance or group of cells that has made its way into part of the body.
"One critical distinction to make is whether a focal corneal infiltrate is infected with bacteria or is a sterile immunologic response."
Verb
- 1 To surreptitiously penetrate, enter or gain access to. ambitransitive
"The spy infiltrated the high-tech company and stole many secrets."
- 2 pass through an enemy line; in a military conflict wordnet
- 3 To cause to penetrate in this way. transitive
"The agency infiltrated several spies into the company."
- 4 pass into or through by filtering or permeating wordnet
- 5 To pass through something by filtration. ambitransitive
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 cause (a liquid) to enter by penetrating the interstices wordnet
- 7 To cause (a liquid) to pass through something by filtration. transitive
- 8 enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members wordnet
- 9 To invade or penetrate a tissue or organ. ambitransitive
"High-grade tumors often infiltrate surrounding structures."
- 10 To send (soldiers, spies, etc.) through gaps in the enemy line. transitive
- 11 To move from a vein, remaining in the body. intransitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"They will infiltrate our network unless we do something to stop them."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "infiltrate"?
Common synonyms include: penetrate, absorb, adsorb, advance, advance against, advance upon.
How do you use "infiltrate" in a sentence?
They will infiltrate our network unless we do something to stop them.
How do you pronounce "infiltrate"?
Pronounced /ˈɪnfəltɹeɪt/.
Etymology
From Middle English infiltrate (adjective), from Medieval Latin infiltrātus, from infiltrō.