infiltration

[ in-fil-trey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of infiltrating.
2. the state of being infiltrated.
3. something that infiltrates; an infiltrate.
4. Military.
   1. a method of attack in which small bodies of soldiers or individual soldiers penetrate the enemy's line at weak or unguarded points in order to assemble behind the enemy position and attack it from the rear, harass enemy rear-area installations, etc.
   2. a system of transporting troops or vehicles at extended and irregular intervals so as to avoid enemy observation or attack, especially from the air.
5. Geology. the seepage of water into soil or rock. Compare percolation ( def 3 ).

Other Words From

• rein·fil·tration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infiltration¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; infiltrate + -ion

Example Sentences

“There was an atmosphere like: ‘Hamas is deterred, even if something happens it's a terrorist infiltration or at most a terrorist squad.’”

From BBC

Iran, experts say, always worked more effectively from behind the scenes, and could do so once again to help rebuild Hezbollah as it struggles to install new leadership and seal off security breaches and infiltrations.

From Los Angeles Times

A few days later, the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Iran was behind the infiltration of Trump's campaign.

From BBC

The infiltration compromises the integrity of the roadway, leading to fractures that over time grow into potholes.

From Los Angeles Times

That began to change in about 2020 with the infiltration of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which was aggressively expanding throughout Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggression
• assault
• breach
• incursion
• infringement
• intrusion
• offensive
• onslaught
• raid
• violation