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

1. (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.
2. (transitive) to create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelryCan you believe he pierced his tongue?
3. (transitive) to break or interrupt abruptlyA scream pierced the darkness.
4. (figurative) To penetrate; to affect deeply.to pierce a mystery
• Alexander Popepierced with grief
• ShakespeareCan no prayers pierce thee?

Derived terms

• piercing

Descendants

• Japanese: ピアス

Anagrams

• recipe