permeate
Spread throughout every part of something
Examples
In a meeting
“This customer-first mindset needs to permeate every department.”
Over coffee
“The smell of coffee permeated the entire house this morning.”
Why this word
spread
Permeate implies gradual penetration throughout a substance or space, while spread suggests surface-level distribution
fill
Permeate emphasizes thorough penetration through pores or barriers, while fill suggests occupying empty space
penetrate
Permeate suggests complete diffusion throughout, while penetrate may indicate breaking through without full saturation
Usage tip
Use when describing something that thoroughly penetrates or spreads through an entire system or space
Etymology
Latin 'per' (through) + 'meare' (to pass)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
propagate
Spread or promote widely
deter
To discourage someone from taking an action
compel
To force or drive someone to do something; to be irresistibly interesting
wield
To hold and use power, influence, or a tool effectively
cajole
Persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery
coerce
To persuade using force or threats