pervade

[ per-veyd ]

verb (used with object)

, per·vad·ed, per·vad·ing.

1. to become spread throughout all parts of:

   Spring pervaded the air.

   Synonyms: fill, diffuse

pervade

/ pɜːˈveɪʒən; pɜːˈveɪd /

verb

1. tr to spread through or throughout, esp subtly or gradually; permeate

Derived Forms

• pervasion, noun
• perˈvader, noun

Other Words From

• per·vader noun
• per·vading·ly adverb
• per·vading·ness noun
• per·va·sion [per-, vey, -zh, uh, n], noun
• per·va·sive [per-, vey, -siv], adjective
• inter·per·vade verb (used with object) interpervaded interpervading
• unper·vaded adjective
• unper·vading adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pervade¹

1645–55; < Latin pervādere to pass through, equivalent to per- per- + vādere to go, walk

Word History and Origins

Origin of pervade¹

C17: from Latin pervādere, from per- through + vādere to go

Example Sentences

But in some quarters, a certain sense of detachment pervaded over this faraway political earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

There is rampant spiritual sickness pervading the West, and what is called luxury, in every area of life, seems to soothe its symptoms.

From Los Angeles Times

Even in its earliest manifestations, there was a peculiar combination of grooving energy and inherent sadness in their music that would pervade their hitmaking efforts with Fleetwood Mac and beyond.

From Salon

A lawyer for his accusers was described him as "a monster" enabled by a system that pervaded Harrods' London store.

From BBC

Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, "was a monster" enabled by a system that "pervaded" the London store, a lawyer for his accusers has said.

From BBC

Related Words

• infuse
• penetrate
• permeate
• suffuse