infiltrator

[ in-fil-trey-ter, in-fil-trey- ]

noun

1. a soldier, intelligence agent, or other person who moves surreptitiously and gradually into an organization, territory, community, or the like, especially with hostile intent:

   Using a false name, the infiltrator participated in meetings and prep sessions with the protest group and had complete access to their documentation.

2. a person or thing that causes one substance to pass into another by filtering:

   The roots of wetland plants serve as massive water infiltrators, allowing more rainwater to seep into the soil and recharge underground aquifers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of infiltrator¹

infiltrat(e) ( def ) + -or ²( def )

Example Sentences

She details evidence gained through wiretaps, police infiltrators and witnesses – some of which her office has made public.

From BBC

During the campaign this year, he called Muslims, who make up 14 percent of the population, “infiltrators.”

From New York Times

But as the campaign progressed, he increasingly resorted to anti-Muslim rhetoric, calling them “infiltrators” and making references to a Hindu nationalist claim that Muslims were overtaking the Hindu population by having more children.

From Seattle Times

In April, Mr Modi himself was accused of Islamophobia after claiming in rallies that the opposition would distribute people's wealth to "infiltrators" if they won power, in remarks referring to Muslims.

From BBC

At recent campaign rallies, Modi has said Muslims are “infiltrators” and that they “have too many children.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• spy