First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
pierce
verb \ˈpirs\
: to make a hole in or through (something)
: to go through or into (something) in a forceful or noticeable way
piercedpierc·ing
Full Definition of PIERCE
transitive verb
1
a : to run into or through as a pointed weapon does : stab b : to enter or thrust into sharply or painfully
2
: to make a hole through : perforate
3
: to force or make a way into or through
4
: to penetrate with the eye or mind : discern
5
: to penetrate so as to move or touch the emotions of
intransitive verb
: to force a way into or through something
— pierc·er noun
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Origin of PIERCE
Synonym Discussion of PIERCE
enter, penetrate, pierce, probe mean to make way into something. enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in <entered the city in triumph>. penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance <the enemy penetrated the fortress>. pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument <pierced the boil with a lancet>. probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge <probed the depths of the sea>.
Pierce
biographical name \ˈpirs\
Definition of PIERCE
Franklin 1804–1869 14th pres. of the United States (1853–57)
PIERCE Defined for Kids
pierce
verb \ˈpirs\
piercedpierc·ing
Definition of PIERCE for Kids
1
: to make a hole in or through or as if in or through <I had my ears pierced.> <A stab of fear pierced his heart.>
2
: to force or make a way into or through <The sunshine pierced through their faded dresses … — Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie>
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