pierce

Definition

To puncture; to break through.

Etymology

From Middle English perce, from conjugated forms of Old French percier such as (jeo) pierce (“I pierce”), probably from Vulgar Latin *pertūsiō, from Latin pertūsus, past participle of pertundō (“thrust or bore through”), from per- (“through”) + tundō (“beat, pound”). Displaced native Old English þȳrlian (literally “to hole”).

Example Sentences

• "The diver pierced the surface of the water with scarcely a splash."
• "to pierce the enemy's line; a shot pierced the ship"
• "I pierce her open back, or tender side"