pierce

English

/pɪɹs/, /pɪəs/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) to puncture; to break through
  • (transitive) to create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelry
  • (transitive) to break or interrupt abruptly
  • (transitive) To get to the heart or crux of (a matter).
  • (transitive) To penetrate; to affect deeply.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English perce derived from Old French percier (pierce) derived from Latin *pertūsiō, pertūsus.

Origin

Latin

pertūsus

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms