WordGarden.ioinfiltration
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪnfɪltrˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɪnfɪlˈtreɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
secret entry into a place or group to gather information or gain influence
the process of water or another fluid passing into or through a porous material
the spread or deposit of fluid, cells, or another substance into body tissue
More meaningsFewer meanings
unauthorized penetration of a computer system or network
Beyond the definition
Imagine a secret agent slipping past guards into an enemy base – that's infiltration! It means entering a place or group secretly, often to gather information or cause disruption. Think of water slowly seeping into cracks in the foundation of a building; it's not crashing through, but subtly getting inside.
Infiltration isn't always about spies and espionage, though. A new idea can infiltrate your thinking, meaning it gradually takes hold. Or, an invasive plant species might infiltrate a local ecosystem, slowly taking over. The key is the secret and often gradual nature of the entry. You might read about infiltration in political thrillers or hear about it when discussing security breaches.
Infiltration refers to the act of secretly entering a place, group, or system with a specific purpose – usually to gather information, disrupt operations, or gain control from within. It implies a deliberate and often stealthy process of penetration, avoiding direct confrontation or detection.
Historically, infiltration is strongly associated with espionage and military tactics. During wartime, spies might infiltrate enemy lines disguised as civilians to collect intelligence. But the concept extends far beyond warfare. A political movement might attempt to infiltrate a rival organization to influence its policies, or a hacker could infiltrate a computer network to steal data.
However, infiltration doesn't always involve malicious intent. An artistic style can infiltrate popular culture, gradually becoming more widespread and accepted. A new technology might infiltrate the market, slowly replacing older methods. In these cases, it simply means something is spreading or gaining influence in a subtle way.
The word carries a sense of secrecy, strategy, and often a degree of deception. It suggests a deliberate attempt to bypass defenses and gain access from within. So, whether you're reading about international intrigue or observing the spread of trends, infiltration describes the process of quietly slipping inside.
Examples
- 1
Military context
The army increased patrols after reports of enemy infiltration near the border.
- 2
Police investigation
Police spent months planning the infiltration of the drug gang.
- 3
Water damage
Water infiltration through the roof caused serious damage to the upstairs rooms.
- 4
Extremist ideas
Teachers were concerned about the infiltration of extremist ideas into online student groups.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Platform safety
The platform introduced stricter checks to prevent the infiltration of fake accounts into private communities.
See also
Similar
- penetration
- intrusion
- covert entry
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- exfiltration
- exclusion
Used with (collocations)
- enemy infiltration
- infiltration of a group
- prevent infiltration
- covert infiltration
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- infiltrationnoun
Forms
- infiltrationspluralnoun