Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially to acquire secret information or influence.
   • To cause a liquid or substance to pass into or through something by penetrating its small openings or gaps.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To pass into or through something, especially by filtering or permeating.
   • To pass through an enemy's line in a military conflict without being detected.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Transitive - entering an organization):

  • The agency tried to infiltrate the criminal network.
  • Spies had infiltrated the government department.

• Verb (Transitive - causing a liquid to enter):

  • The dye infiltrated the fabric, creating a deep color.
  • Water can infiltrate the soil after heavy rain.

• Verb (Intransitive - permeating):

  • Toxic chemicals can infiltrate into the groundwater.
  • Sunlight infiltrated through the dense canopy of leaves.

• Verb (Intransitive - military context):

  • Special forces were ordered to infiltrate behind enemy lines.

Advanced Usage

• "To infiltrate oneself into": To deliberately and stealthily insert oneself into a group.

  • The journalist infiltrated herself into the activist group to write an exposé.

• Used in medical contexts to describe cells or substances spreading into tissues.

  • The cancer cells began to infiltrate the surrounding healthy tissue.

Variants and Related Words

• Infiltrator (noun): A person who infiltrates, especially as a spy or saboteur.

  • The infiltrator was discovered and arrested.

• Infiltration (noun): The process or act of infiltrating.

  • The infiltration of the compound was a success.

Synonyms

• Insinuate: To introduce oneself gradually into a favorable position.
• Permeate: To spread throughout something; to pass through.
• Penetrate: To enter or pass into or through.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

(Note: "Infiltrate" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed directly or with prepositions like "into" or "through.") - Infiltrate into: To enter a place or group stealthily. - They planned to infiltrate into the enemy's headquarters.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "infiltrate." Its use is typically direct and literal.)

Verb

1. pass through an enemy line; in a military conflict
2. pass into or through by filtering or permeating
   • the substance infiltrated the material
3. enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members
   • The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor
4. cause (a liquid) to enter by penetrating the interstices