Infiltration Meaning and Definition
Infiltration
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈfɪltrəʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The process or act of permeating or penetrating a substance or system, often in a subtle or gradual manner, especially by unauthorized or unwanted means.
Examples
- The detective worked to identify the source of the infiltration in the company’s computer system.
- The new employee had to navigate the office politics to avoid getting caught up in the bureaucratic infiltration.
Synonyms
- Penetration
- Intrusion
- Seepage
Antonyms
- Protection
- Exclusion
- Isolation
Etymology
Infiltration comes from the Latin words ‘in’ meaning “in” and ‘filitare’ meaning “to filter”, which refers to the process of permeating or filtering through a substance or system.
Usage Notes
Infiltration is often used to describe the penetration of a substance or system by an unwanted or unauthorized entities, such as malware or pollutants. It can also be used more broadly to describe the process of gaining access or influence in a particular domain or field.
Cultural References
Infiltration has appeared in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and literature. For example, the concept of infiltration is central to the plot of the 2013 film “The Bourne Legacy”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To infiltrate the system
- To penetrate the ranks
Related Words or Phrases
- Penetration
- Intrusion
- Sepsis
Collocations
- Data infiltration
- Money laundering infiltration
- Network infiltration
Frequency of Use
Infiltration is a relatively uncommon word, but it is gaining popularity in recent years due to its increasing relevance in the fields of cybersecurity and corporate espionage.
Common Misspellings
- Infiltation
- Infiletration