pierce
to penetrate into or run through (something), as a sharp, pointed dagger, object, or instrument does.
to make a hole or opening in.
to bore into or through; tunnel.
to perforate.
to make (a hole, opening, etc.) by or as by boring or perforating.
to make a way or path into or through: a road that pierces the dense jungle.
to penetrate with the eye or mind; see into or through: She couldn't pierce his thoughts.
to affect sharply with some sensation or emotion, as of cold, pain, or grief: The wind pierced her body. Her words pierced our hearts.
to sound sharply through (the air, stillness, etc.): A pistol shot pierced the night.
to force or make a way into or through something; penetrate: to pierce to the heart.
Origin of pierce
1synonym study For pierce
Other words for pierce
Other words from pierce
- pierce·a·ble, adjective
- piercer, noun
- un·pierce·a·ble, adjective
Words Nearby pierce
Other definitions for Pierce (2 of 2)
Franklin, 1804–69, 14th president of the U.S. 1853–57.
John Robinson, 1910–2002, U.S. electrical engineer: helped develop communications satellites.
a male given name, form of Peter.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use pierce in a sentence
She had low-grade blood poisoning in her ear from the pin she used to pierce it.
‘My Crazy Love’ Reveals the Craziest Lies People Tell for Love | Kevin Fallon | November 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTpierce BROSNAN The Irish actor and ex-James Bond—whose father was Scottish—is cool either way.
Celebs Pick Sides on Scotland Referendum: Sean Connery, Andy Murray, Prince Harry, and More | Marlow Stern | September 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMurphy rarely mentions the law in his appearances in this district running from north of Palm Beach to Fort pierce.
pierce sounded genuinely anguished about the unintended consequences of the bill he supported.
Republicans Go From Anti-Gay to No Way on Arizona Bill | Eleanor Clift | February 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTI thought you were a hoot on Community as the lawyer for the estate of pierce.
Kentucky’s Finest Antihero: Walton Goggins on Justified’s Chameleon Villain | Allen Barra | February 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
If the hunter venture to come close to such a monster, and his dagger fail to pierce the vital spot, there is no help for him.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton WadeLoftily pierce the tall white minarets into the quivering heavens, while the solemn cypress throws its shade below.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.But one morning the sky was gray and gloomy, and the sun could not pierce through the heavy clouds.
The Later Cave-Men | Katharine Elizabeth DoppThe vociferous tones pierce my ears, and my heart bleeds at his meaningless declamation.
Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist | Alexander BerkmanNo cry of tormented soul shall pierce these walls of stone, much less the heart of man.
Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist | Alexander Berkman
British Dictionary definitions for pierce (1 of 2)
/ (pɪəs) /
to form or cut (a hole) in (something) with or as if with a sharp instrument
to thrust into or penetrate sharply or violently: the thorn pierced his heel
to force (a way, route, etc) through (something)
(of light) to shine through or penetrate (darkness)
(also intr) to discover or realize (something) suddenly or (of an idea) to become suddenly apparent
(of sounds or cries) to sound sharply through (the silence)
to move or affect (a person's emotions, bodily feelings, etc) deeply or sharply: the cold pierced their bones
(intr) to penetrate or be capable of penetrating: piercing cold
Origin of pierce
1Derived forms of pierce
- pierceable, adjective
- piercer, noun
British Dictionary definitions for Pierce (2 of 2)
/ (pɪəs) /
Franklin. 1804–69, US statesman; 14th president of the US (1853–57)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse