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infiltrate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪnˈfɪl.treɪt/

KK: /ɪnˈfɪlˌtreɪt/

intransitive verb
Definition

To enter or become part of something gradually and often secretly, especially in order to gain influence or information.


Example

The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy organization without being detected.


Tense Forms

Past: infiltrated

Past Participle: infiltrated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the new group trying to infiltrate the club?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard they're really sneaky about it.
Sloth A
I wonder how they plan to infiltrate without anyone noticing.
Sloth B
Probably just pretending to be friendly at first.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
penetrate
invade
permeate
Antonyms
evacuate
exit
retreat
noun
Definition

A person or thing that enters a place or group secretly, often to gather information or cause harm.


Example

The infiltrate was discovered by the security team during their routine checks.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about that study on the effects of infiltrate in tissues?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What did they find out?
Sloth A
They discovered that it can lead to some serious health issues over time.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To enter or pass through a place or group secretly, often to gather information or take control.


Example

The spies managed to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters without being detected.


Tense Forms

Past: infiltrated

Past Participle: infiltrated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the plan to infiltrate the rival team's practice?
Sloth B
Yeah, that's pretty sneaky!
Sloth A
I wonder how they even manage to infiltrate without getting caught.
Root Explanation

Infiltrate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "filtrare" (meaning to filter). The word describes the act of filtering into a place or organization, often secretly or gradually.

Memory Tip

Think of 'filtering' ('filtrare') something 'into' ('in-') a place — that's why infiltrate means to enter secretly.

Visually Confused Words
filtrate
uninfiltrated
interfiltrate
unfiltrated
dinitrate
nitrate
inflate
trinitrate
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Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
intruder
invader
interloper
Antonyms
defender
protector
guardian
Sloth B
It must take some serious skills to pull that off.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
penetrate
permeate
invade
Antonyms
evacuate
withdraw
exit