infiltrate

in-fil-trate · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To enter or gain access to an organization or place secretly, especially with hostile intent.

  2. 2.

    To pass through a substance by filtering or permeating.

  3. 3.

    To cause (a liquid or gas) to pass into something by filtering.

Phrases & expressions

  • infiltrate into — enter secretly or gradually
  • infiltrate an organization — become a secret member of a group

Related words

Etymology

From Medieval Latin infiltrare, from Latin in- ("into") + filtrare ("to filter"), from filtrum ("felt used as a filter").