pierce

[[t]pɪ͟ə(r)s[/t]]

pierces, piercing, pierced

1) VERB If a sharp object pierces something, or if you pierce something with a sharp object, the object goes into it and makes a hole in it.

[V n] One bullet pierced the left side of his chest...

[V n] Pierce the skin of the potato with a fork.

2) VERB If you have your ears or some other part of your body pierced, you have a small hole made through them so that you can wear a piece of jewellery in them.

[have n V-ed] I'm having my ears pierced on Saturday.

[V-ed] ...her pierced ears with their tiny gold studs. [Also V n]

3) VERB If a light or sound pierces something or pierces through it, it is suddenly seen or heard very clearly. [LITERARY]

[V n] A spotlight pierced the darkness...

[V n] Then he spoke, in a voice that pierced the thick air...

[V through n] The clock striking the hour pierced through his thoughts.

Syn:

penetrate

4) VERB If a thought, feeling, or sound pierces someone's heart, it makes them experience a feeling, especially sadness, very strongly. [LITERARY]

[V n] This sound, like all music, pierced my heart like a dagger.

5) VERB If someone pierces something that acts as a barrier, they manage to get through it.

[V n] German armoured divisions pierced the Russian lines. [Also V through n]

Syn:

penetrate