1. past tense of penetrate; to pass into or through something
2. past tense of penetrate; to understand or discover the meaning of something difficult
3. past tense of penetrate; to succeed in entering or becoming part of a group or organization

Examples

• The bullet penetrated the metal shield.
• Sunlight penetrated through the thick forest canopy.
• The spy penetrated the enemy organization.
• Scientists finally penetrated the mystery of the disease.
• The cold wind penetrated her thin jacket.
• The company penetrated new markets in Asia.
• Water had penetrated the basement walls.