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

Related Words

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