penetrate
verb (used with object)
to pierce or pass into or through.
had penetrated
-
past perfectof penetrate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In their analysis, they found that hydrocarbons had penetrated the crystal lattice of hydrogen cyanide and formed stable new structures known as co-crystals.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 17, 2025
The Walt Disney Co. may not cherish this moment, but it signified the way Disneyland had penetrated the American psyche as a representation for our values.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2025
He said Mr Yang was not a "lone wolf" but one of thousands of individuals who had penetrated UK institutions.
From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2024
MI5, Britain’s domestic spy agency, issued an alert last year to Parliament warning that a person linked to the United Front Work Department had penetrated the legislature, Mr. McCallum said.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 14, 2023
The main question was whether any blood had penetrated the last glove to the cut.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
