infiltration

[in-fil-trey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of infiltrating.

2. the state of being infiltrated.

3. something that infiltrates; an infiltrate.

4. Military.

   1. a method of attack in which small bodies of soldiers or individual soldiers penetrate the enemy's line at weak or unguarded points in order to assemble behind the enemy position and attack it from the rear, harass enemy rear-area installations, etc.

   2. a system of transporting troops or vehicles at extended and irregular intervals so as to avoid enemy observation or attack, especially from the air.

5. Geology.,  the seepage of water into soil or rock.

Other Word Forms

• reinfiltration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infiltration¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; infiltrate + -ion

Example Sentences

Pakistan says the closure curbs militant infiltration, but its economy is also feeling the pinch.

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Its mission is to protect the FBI from leaks of classified information and infiltration by foreign spies.

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But opposition leaders and other critics said the march reflected deep concern about alleged cartel infiltration in the government and charged that police brutalized young protesters.

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He has also massed 25,000 soldiers near Colombia, a likely vector for infiltration.

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Most arrhythmias occur within 48 hours after MI and coincide with massive immune cell infiltration into the heart tissue.

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Related Words

• aggression 
• assault 
• breach 
• incursion 
• infringement 
• intrusion 
• offensive 
• onslaught 
• raid 
• violation