pierce

pierce

verb \ˈpirs\

piercedpierc·ing

Definition of PIERCE

transitive verb

1

a : to run into or through as a pointed weapon does : stab b : to enter or thrust into sharply or painfully

2

: to make a hole through : perforate

3

: to force or make a way into or through

4

: to penetrate with the eye or mind : discern

5

: to penetrate so as to move or touch the emotions of

intransitive verb

: to force a way into or through something

— pierc·er noun

Examples of PIERCE

1. The needle pierced her skin.
2. The bullet pierced his lung.
3. The needle pierced into her skin.
4. The bullet pierced through his lung.
5. A scream pierced the silence.

Origin of PIERCE

Middle English percen, from Anglo-French percer, from Vulgar Latin *pertusiare, from Latin pertusus, past participle of pertundere to perforate, from per- through + tundere to beat — more at per-, contusion

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PIERCE

Synonyms: access, penetrate, enter

Antonyms: depart, exit, leave

Related Words: barge (in), breeze (in), burst (in or into), waltz (in); drop in, pop (in); stray (into), wander (into); crash, encroach, gate-crash, infiltrate, infringe, intrude, invade, trespass

Near Antonyms: fill, patch, plug, seal

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with PIERCE

Bierce, birse, fierce, Pierce, tierce