Definition

1. Verb:

   • To make a hole or holes through something, especially by piercing or punching: This is the primary meaning, describing the action of creating an opening.
   • To pass into or through something: This meaning describes the action of an object moving through a material, often overcoming resistance.

2. Adjective (less common):

   • Pierced with a hole or holes; having a hole cut through: Describes an object that has been perforated.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • You need to perforate the paper along the dotted line to tear it easily.
  • The drill bit is designed to perforate metal sheets.
  • The bullet was able to perforate the thin wall.

• Adjective:

  • The patient had a perforated eardrum.
  • Use perforated paper for the raffle tickets.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Medical Context: Often used to describe a rupture or hole in a biological membrane or organ.

  • An ulcer can perforate the stomach lining.
  • The surgeon repaired the perforated septum.

• Manufacturing/Design Context: Refers to materials with a regular pattern of holes for function (e.g., ventilation, ease of tearing) or decoration.

  • The perforated leather provides better airflow in the shoes.

Variants and Related Words

• Perforation (noun): A hole made by piercing or punching; a series of such holes.
  • Tear the paper along the line of perforations.
• Perforator (noun): A tool or machine for making holes.
  • The ticket perforator stamps a date on each entry.

Synonyms

• Verb: Pierce, puncture, penetrate, bore, drill, punch.
• Adjective: Pierced, punctured, holed.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Perforate" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. The action is typically expressed directly or with prepositions like "through.") - To perforate through: To succeed in making a hole through something. - The needle easily perforated through the fabric.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered on the word "perforate.")

Adjective

1. having a hole cut through
   • pierced ears
   • a perforated eardrum
   • a punctured balloon

Verb

1. pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
   • The bullet penetrated her chest
2. make a hole into or between, as for ease of separation
   • perforate the sheets of paper