infiltrate
UK[ˈɪnfɪltreɪt]US[ˈɪnˌfɪltreɪt]
v
to secretly enter or join an organization, place, etc., especially to get information or cause damage.
v
to cause a substance or people to pass into something or some place gradually and secretly.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
filtr
ate
in
in, into
filtr
felt, filter
ate
Etymology
the word 'infiltrate' originates from the modern latin term 'infiltrare', which itself is a compound of the latin prefix 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'filtrum' meaning 'felt', a material used for filtering. the original concept was of a liquid passing slowly into or through a porous substance like felt, much like a filtration process. this literal sense of gradual permeation evolved metaphorically to describe the covert entry of people or ideas into a group or territory. thus, the modern meaning retains the core logic of something moving secretly and gradually into a place where it does not initially belong.
Analysis
Structure: in + filtr + ate
in (latin, prefix meaning 'in, into'); filtr (latin, from 'filtrum' meaning 'felt, filter'); ate (latin, verb-forming suffix).
Examples
the spy managed to infiltrate the enemy headquarters.
the dye will infiltrate the fabric, creating a deep color.
they attempted to infiltrate their agents into the political party.