Pierce
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ɪə(r)s
Origin
Old French percier, from its conjugated forms such as (jeo) pierce ("I pierce"), probably from Late Latin *pertusiare, from Latin pertusus, past participle of pertundere ("to thrust or bore through"), from per- ("through") + tundere ("to beat, pound").
Full definition of pierce
Verb
- (transitive) to puncture; to break throughThe diver pierced the surface of the water with scarcely a splash.to pierce the enemy's line; a shot pierced the ship
- DrydenI pierce ... her tender side.
- (transitive) to create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelryCan you believe he pierced his tongue?
- (transitive) to break or interrupt abruptlyA scream pierced the darkness.
- (figurative) To penetrate; to affect deeply.to pierce a mystery
- Alexander Popepierced with grief
- ShakespeareCan no prayers pierce thee?
Derived terms
Descendants
- Japanese: ピアス