infiltrate

[ in-fil-treyt, in-fil-treyt ]

/ ɪnˈfɪl treɪt, ˈɪn fɪlˌtreɪt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR infiltrate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), in·fil·trat·ed, in·fil·trat·ing.

to filter into or through; permeate.

to cause to pass in by filtering.

to move into (an organization, country, territory, or the like) surreptitiously and gradually, especially with hostile intent: The troops infiltrated the enemy lines.

to pass a small number of (soldiers, spies, or the like) into a territory or organization clandestinely and with hostile or subversive intent: The intelligence agency infiltrated three spies into the neighboring country.

verb (used without object), in·fil·trat·ed, in·fil·trat·ing.

to pass into or through a substance, place, etc., by or as by filtering.

Pathology. to penetrate tissue spaces or cells.

noun

something that infiltrates.

Pathology. any substance penetrating tissues or cells and forming a morbid accumulation.

Nearby words

infield hit, infield out, infielder, infighting, infill, infiltrate, infiltration, infiltration anesthesia, infiltration capacity, infiltration gallery, infiltrometer

Origin of infiltrate

First recorded in 1750–60; in-² + filtrate

Related forms

in·fil·tra·tive

[in-fil-trey-tiv, in-fil-truh-] /ˈɪn fɪlˌtreɪ tɪv, ɪnˈfɪl trə-/, adjectivein·fil·tra·tor

[in-fil-trey-ter, in-fil-trey-] /ˈɪn fɪlˌtreɪ tər, ɪnˈfɪl treɪ-/, nounre·in·fil·trate, verb, re·in·fil·trat·ed, re·in·fil·trat·ing.un·in·fil·trat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for infiltrate

In 2008 Cromartie talked to The Gathering about the need to “infiltrate” secular media.
The $1-Billion-a-Year Right-Wing Conspiracy You Haven’t Heard Of|Jay Michaelson|September 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I suppose we could infiltrate the government and do nothing.
Up To A Point: My Problem With People Who Agree With Me|P. J. O’Rourke|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Police sources confirm that the Millers conspired to infiltrate an unidentified court building and execute public officials.
Hatriot Politics Created the Las Vegas Killers|John Avlon|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But she was also having daily conversations with her OSI handlers about which drug rings she should try to infiltrate.
Spies, Lies, and Rape in the Air Force: An Undercover Agent's Story|Jacob Siegel|March 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Aguigui wanted to infiltrate and put a stop to the drug trade across the Canadian border.
Inside the Georgia Militia Murders|Caitlin Dickson|September 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Yet you stated earlier that it was your intention to infiltrate these organizations.
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
In all cases the tumour tends to infiltrate the surrounding tissues indiscriminately.
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition.|Alexander Miles
But the aliens were trying to infiltrate and every sentry post was vital.
Two Timer|Fredric Brown
My answer to him was, "Well, you will have to infiltrate myself, because I am the only one."
Warren Commission (10 of 26): Hearings Vol. X (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Was there any time when your organization drew up a list of organizations, of other organizations, that it wanted to infiltrate?
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for infiltrate

infiltrate

/ (ˈɪnfɪlˌtreɪt) /

verb

to undergo or cause to undergo the process in which a fluid passes into the pores or interstices of a solid; permeate

military to pass undetected through (an enemy-held line or position)

to gain or cause to gain entrance or access surreptitiouslythey infiltrated the party structure

noun

something that infiltrates

pathol any substance that passes into and accumulates within cells, tissues, or organs

pathol a local anaesthetic solution injected into the tissues to cause local anaesthesia

Derived Forms

infiltration, nouninfiltrative, adjectiveinfiltrator, noun

Word Origin for infiltrate

C18: from in- ² + filtrate

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for infiltrate

infiltrate

[ ĭn-fĭl′trāt′, ĭn′fĭl- ]

v.

To cause a liquid to permeate a substance by passing through its interstices or pores.

To permeate a porous substance with a liquid or gas.

n.

An abnormal substance that accumulates gradually in cells or body tissues.