pénétrer

Pénétrer is a French verb meaning to go through or to enter something, typically by crossing a barrier or boundary. In its literal sense, it denotes physical passage: la lumière pénètre dans une pièce, un outil pénètre un métal, ou une personne pénètre une porte. The verb can also describe entering a space or system, especially when defenses or protections are involved: une forteresse peut être pénétrée, un système de sécurité peut être pénétré, ou un marché peut être pénétré par un nouveau produit.

In figurative use, pénétrer can convey a deeper or more abstract insertion: to penetrate a field of study, to penetrate the market, to penetrate someone’s thoughts or emotions. The sense depends on context and is often strengthened by other verbs such as franchir, traverser, ou envahir depending on nuance. The term is common in business, security, science, and journalism, where it expresses both physical entry and strategic or intellectual outreach.

Origin and grammar: from the Latin penetrare meaning “to go through,” the verb is a regular -er verb in French. Present tense forms are je pénètre, tu pénètres, il pénètre, nous pénétrons, vous pénétrez, ils pénètrent. The past participle is pénétré. The related noun is pénétration, referring to the act or process of penetrating or the depth of penetration.

See also: pénétration; related terms describing entry, access, or infiltration in various domains.