permeate

[ pur-mee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, per·me·at·ed, per·me·at·ing.

1. to pass into or through every part of:

   Bright sunshine permeated the room.

2. to penetrate through the pores, interstices, etc., of.
3. to be diffused through; pervade; saturate:

   Cynicism permeated his report.

verb (used without object)

, per·me·at·ed, per·me·at·ing.

1. to become diffused; penetrate.

permeate

/ ˈpɜːmɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to penetrate or pervade (a substance, area, etc)

   a lovely smell permeated the room

2. to pass through or cause to pass through by osmosis or diffusion

   to permeate a membrane

Derived Forms

• ˈpermeative, adjective
• ˌpermeˈation, noun

Other Words From

• per·me·a·tion [pur-mee-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• per·me·a·tive adjective
• per·me·a·tor noun
• in·ter·per·me·ate verb (used with object) interpermeated interpermeating
• non·per·me·a·tion noun
• non·per·me·a·tive adjective
• un·per·me·at·ing adjective
• un·per·me·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin permeātus, past participle of permeāre “to pass through”; per-, meatus

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeate¹

C17: from Latin permeāre, from per- through + meāre to pass

Example Sentences

“That permeates into all kinds of areas of our lives and all kinds of domains within the tech industry.”

From Los Angeles Times

The governor was not directly involved, though his appointees permeated the state’s education leadership structure.

From New York Times

The term “vacuum energy” refers to the energy background that permeates the entire universe, within or outside of a vacuum.

From Salon

But Harris couldn't shake the anti-Biden sentiment that permeated much of the electorate.

From BBC

It’s a microcosm of the world and its vices, and not only because the sounds of several languages permeate the steamy premises.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imbue
• impregnate
• infiltrate
• infuse
• invade
• pass through
• penetrate
• percolate
• pervade
• saturate
• seep
• steep
• suffuse

More About Permeate

What does permeate mean?

Permeate means to penetrate, pass through, and often become widespread throughout something. Similar words are pervade and saturate.

Permeate can be used both in the context of the physical spread of something within a space and in more figurative ways. Dye permeates fabric. A smell can permeate a room. An idea can permeate someone’s mind.

The adjective permeable means capable of being permeated, especially by liquids or gases, as in Permeable surfaces should be sealed to prevent leaks. The adjective permeating describes things that have permeated or have the ability to permeate, as in Social media has become a permeating aspect of our lives.

Example: This material has a special coating that won’t allow anything to permeate its surface.

Where does permeate come from?

The first records of the word permeate come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Latin verb permeāre, meaning “to pass through.”

Things that permeate often pass through some barrier or threshold—physical or otherwise—and then spread out. In physical contexts, this often involves liquids and gases. It can also be applied to intangible things, like flavors or smells, and abstract things, such as ideas, trends, and aspects of culture.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to permeate?

• permeation (noun)
• permeative (adjective)
• permeant (adjective)
• permeable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for permeate?

• pervade
• saturate
• penetrate

What are some words that share a root or word element with permeate? 

• permeability
• permeance
• permease

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing permeate?

• surface
• liquid
• gas
• diffuse
• diffusion
• throughout
• through
• into
• membrane

How is permeate used in real life?

Permeate can be used in the context of tangible, intangible, and abstract things.

Fire Chief Paul Haas recently announced that Dover Fire and Rescue has implemented a "post fire decontamination" program. The goal of the program is to reduce exposure to the harmful chemicals and toxins that permeate a firefighter's personal protective gear and cause cancer. pic.twitter.com/NytkWG1Cxj

— City of Dover NH (@CityofDoverNH) February 5, 2020

And as a side note, if you have any outdoor cushions … or anything covered with fabric you might want to bring them indoors cuz smoke odour will permeate fabric. #yyj https://t.co/y8p5uikulV

— Hilary Groos (@hilarygroos) September 8, 2020

Racism, discrimination, and social inequalities permeate all areas of our society and have a huge effect on individual lives and wellbeing. We need to address the needs of our communities at individual community levels.#minorityhealth #oralhealth #healthinequalities@BristolUni https://t.co/vMIWQ2ADnd

— Dr Nilufar Ahmed (@ahmed_nilufar) September 9, 2020

 

 

Try using permeate!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of permeate?

A. saturate
B. pervade
C. penetrate
D. block