pierce

About 4.26 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb To puncture; to break through.

   The diver pierced the surface of the water with scarcely a splash.

2. verb To create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelry.

   Can you believe he pierced his tongue?

3. verb to break or interrupt abruptly

   A dreadful scream pierced the silence.

4. verb To get to the heart or crux of (a matter).

   to pierce a mystery

5. verb To penetrate; to affect deeply.

   A stab of fear pierced my heart.

6. noun A piercing.
7. noun A pierced earring.

Similar words

thrust franklin pierce puncture perforation poke penetrate stab crack casing spear

Often followed by

the and through was to butler had a his

Word family

Franklin Pierce Pierce pierced piercer piercers pierces piercing