Permeate
To spread or diffuse through something; to penetrate or fill a surrounding area or substance.
verbPermeate
To spread or diffuse through something; to penetrate or fill a surrounding area or substance.
verbImagine This
Picture a warm, spicy scent of cinnamon that starts at a baker's oven and slowly seeps through the air, walls, and furniture, until every corner of the house smells the same.
Sounds Like
PUR-mee-ate
Looks Like
Looks similar to 'permeable' (related root) and contains the same 'per-' (through) prefix
Remember This
Permeate is often used for smells, liquids, or ideas spreading through a space. It pairs with 'through' or 'the room/air' (e.g., 'permeate the room' or 'permeate through the air').
Other Forms
Connect With
permeable, diffuse, pervade, saturate, penetrate
Note
Do not confuse with 'permeable' (an adjective meaning able to be passed through). Use 'permeate' for the act of spreading; 'permeation' or 'permeability' are its related nouns.