permeate

[pur-mee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

permeated, permeating 

1. to pass into or through every part of.

   Bright sunshine permeated the room.

2. to penetrate through the pores, interstices, etc., of.

3. to be diffused through; pervade; saturate.

   Cynicism permeated his report.

verb (used without object)

permeated, permeating 

1. to become diffused; penetrate.

permeate

/ ˈpɜːmɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to penetrate or pervade (a substance, area, etc)

   a lovely smell permeated the room

2. to pass through or cause to pass through by osmosis or diffusion

   to permeate a membrane

Other Word Forms

• permeation noun
• permeative adjective
• permeator noun
• interpermeate verb (used with object)
• nonpermeation noun
• nonpermeative adjective
• unpermeating adjective
• unpermeative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin permeātus, past participle of permeāre “to pass through”; per-, meatus

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeate¹

C17: from Latin permeāre, from per- through + meāre to pass

Example Sentences

From working out with a trainer to jogging with friends to setting a presentation date as a deadline, commitment devices permeate our lives.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Generative artificial intelligence has quickly permeated much of what we do online, proving helpful for many.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lucas has said she is attacking the identity politics she believes has permeated workplaces and the broader culture.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Dazzling visual effects permeate the latest movie featuring acrobatic, lightning-fast battles with demons at a kaleidoscopic castle with an infinite array of floors.

Read more on Barron's

A strong smell of human faeces permeated the building.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• imbue 
• impregnate 
• infiltrate 
• infuse 
• invade 
• pass through 
• penetrate 
• percolate 
• pervade 
• saturate 
• seep 
• steep 
• suffuse 

When To Use

What does permeate mean?

Permeate means to penetrate, pass through, and often become widespread throughout something. Similar words are pervade and saturate.Permeate can be used both in the context of the physical spread of something within a space and in more figurative ways. Dye permeates fabric. A smell can permeate a room. An idea can permeate someone’s mind.The adjective permeable means capable of being permeated, especially by liquids or gases, as in Permeable surfaces should be sealed to prevent leaks. The adjective permeating describes things that have permeated or have the ability to permeate, as in Social media has become a permeating aspect of our lives.Example: This material has a special coating that won’t allow anything to permeate its surface.