pierce

The word “pierce” means to make a hole through something, usually with something sharp. In plain terms, to puncture something, or to affect someone very deeply.

“Pierce” is pronounced peers (/pɪɹs/ in IPA).

Here is “pierce” used in a sentence: “The needle pierced her skin for the earring.”

“Pierce” is a verb.

The word “pierce” comes from Latin. From Old French percier, likely from a Latin root meaning "to thrust or bore through".

“Pierce” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Pierce” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a hole through something, usually with something sharp.

'Pierce' means to make a hole through something with a sharp point, and it can pass all the way through. 'Puncture' usually means to make a small hole that lets air or liquid escape, as when a tyre is punctured.

Both mean to go into or through something, but 'pierce' stresses breaking the surface with a sharp point, often quickly. 'Penetrate' focuses more on entering or passing deep inside and does not always require a sharp object.

'Pierce' is often followed by 'through,' as in 'the nail pierced through the board.' It can also take a direct object without a preposition, as in 'the arrow pierced his shield.'

Yes. Beyond making physical holes, 'pierce' can describe something that affects you deeply or cuts to the heart of a matter, as in 'a scream pierced the silence' or 'her words pierced him.'