pierce

verb

\ ˈpirs

pierced; piercing

Definition of pierce

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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

Pierce

biographical name

\ ˈpirs

Definition of Pierce (Entry 2 of 2)

Franklin 1804–1869 14th president of the U.S. (1853–57)

Other Words from pierce Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about pierce

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Synonyms & Antonyms for pierce

Synonyms: Verb

access, enter, penetrate

Antonyms: Verb

depart, exit, leave

Choose the Right Synonym for pierce

Verb

enter, penetrate, pierce, probe mean to make way into something. enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in. entered the city in triumph penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. the enemy penetrated the fortress pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. pierced the boil with a lancet probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. probed the depths of the sea

Examples of pierce in a Sentence

Verb

The needle pierced her skin. The bullet pierced his lung. The needle pierced into her skin. The bullet pierced through his lung. A scream pierced the silence.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the middle of the chicken breasts registers 165 degrees and the vegetables are tender when pierced with a skewer. — BostonGlobe.com, "Sheet-pan chicken with zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs," 10 Sep. 2019 The potatoes should be done by this time, looking crisped on the outside, puffed and tender when pierced with a knife. — Bonnie S. Benwick, The Denver Post, "Step up your steak night with cumin-rubbed flank and chimichurri potatoes," 21 Aug. 2019 Step 6 The potatoes should be done by this time, looking crisped on the outside, puffed and tender when pierced with a knife. — Bonnie S. Benwick, Washington Post, "Step up your steak night with cumin-rubbed flank and chimichurri potatoes," 20 Aug. 2019 Add broccoli; cook uncovered until broccoli is nearly tender when pierced with a knife, about 4 minutes. — Jeanmarie Brownson, Twin Cities, "Homemade harissa sauce sparks ordinary grilled chicken," 11 July 2019 Flip, then grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes can be pierced with a fork. — Jessica Yadegaran, The Mercury News, "Fourth of July recipe: Grilled Jalapeno, Corn and Idaho Potato Salad," 1 July 2019 Armor-piercing bullets are federally banned for handguns, but a move by the Obama administration in 2015 to consider banning similar bullets for rifles was eventually scrapped after pushback from the National Rifle Association and other gun groups. — Stephen Gandel, CBS News, "In epidemic of mass shootings, ammunition makers dodge blame," 12 Sep. 2019 There are also nonverbal signals, such as pointing, clapping, or a piercing glance that cue students to important ideas. — Kenneth A. Kiewra, Quartz, "A seven-step guide to taking better notes," 4 Sep. 2019 There are also nonverbal signals, such as pointing, clapping, or a piercing glance that cue students to important ideas. — Kenneth A. Kiewra, The Conversation, "7 tips on how to take better notes," 3 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pierce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Oct 2019

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Time Traveler for pierce

The first known use of pierce was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for pierce

pierce

verb

English Language Learners Definition of pierce

: to make a hole in or through (something)

: to go through or into (something) in a forceful or noticeable way

See the full definition for pierce in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pierce

verb

\ ˈpirs

pierced; piercing

Kids Definition of pierce

1 : to make a hole in or through or as if in or through I had my ears pierced. A stab of fear pierced his heart.

2 : to force or make a way into or through The sunshine pierced through their faded dresses …— Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie

pierce

transitive verb

pierced; piercing

Legal Definition of pierce

: to see through the usually misleading or false appearance of the object of summary judgment is to pierce the pleadings and allow a judgment on the merits— J. H. Friedenthal et al. the Internal Revenue Service may attempt to pierce the plain meaning of the agreement— W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

pierce the corporate veil

: to disregard the corporate entity and reach the personal assets of the corporation's controlling parties : hold the controlling parties (as officers or shareholders) of a corporation personally liable for wrongful acts or debts of the corporation a…creditor in New York cannot pierce the corporate veil solely on grounds of inadequate capitalization— R. C. Clark — compare corporate immunity at immunity

Note: An action to pierce the corporate veil is usually grounded on the corporation's being an instrumentality or alter ego of the officers or shareholders and on some misuse (as fraud) of the officers' or shareholders' control over the corporation.