permeate

[pur-mee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

permeated, permeating 

1. to pass into or through every part of.

   Bright sunshine permeated the room.

2. to penetrate through the pores, interstices, etc., of.

3. to be diffused through; pervade; saturate.

   Cynicism permeated his report.

verb (used without object)

permeated, permeating 

1. to become diffused; penetrate.

permeate

/ ˈpɜːmɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to penetrate or pervade (a substance, area, etc)

   a lovely smell permeated the room

2. to pass through or cause to pass through by osmosis or diffusion

   to permeate a membrane

Other Word Forms

• permeative adjective
• permeation noun
• permeator noun
• interpermeate verb (used with object)
• nonpermeation noun
• nonpermeative adjective
• unpermeating adjective
• unpermeative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin permeātus, past participle of permeāre “to pass through”; per-, meatus

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeate¹

C17: from Latin permeāre, from per- through + meāre to pass

Example Sentences

The sweet smoky smell of wildland fire permeated the hot midday air.

From Los Angeles Times

I listened to “Pollinator,” and I really loved this very fresh, almost rebellious sound that permeated the music.

From Los Angeles Times

After another LosGothsCo event came to a close, there was an aura of joy that radiated from the crowd and permeated the East L.A. night air.

From Los Angeles Times

Sheinbaum has rejected U.S. claims that organized crime permeates Mexico’s government and controls vast swaths of Mexican territory.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a nihilistic attitude that permeates the Republican Party these days, an apparent belief that nothing matters anymore.

From Salon

Related Words

• imbue 
• impregnate 
• infiltrate 
• infuse 
• invade 
• pass through 
• penetrate 
• percolate 
• pervade 
• saturate 
• seep 
• steep 
• suffuse 

When To Use

What does permeate mean?

Permeate means to penetrate, pass through, and often become widespread throughout something. Similar words are pervade and saturate.Permeate can be used both in the context of the physical spread of something within a space and in more figurative ways. Dye permeates fabric. A smell can permeate a room. An idea can permeate someone’s mind.The adjective permeable means capable of being permeated, especially by liquids or gases, as in Permeable surfaces should be sealed to prevent leaks. The adjective permeating describes things that have permeated or have the ability to permeate, as in Social media has become a permeating aspect of our lives.Example: This material has a special coating that won’t allow anything to permeate its surface.