What does infiltrating mean?
Infiltrating means entering a place, organization, or system in a way that is secret, unauthorized, or difficult to notice. The word is especially common in reporting and discussion of undercover activity, intelligence, criminal groups, and political organizations: an agent may infiltrate a group, or opposing forces may infiltrate an organization. It can also be used more generally to describe the gradual spread of an idea, practice, or substance through a wider system. In these extended uses, the word often suggests quiet influence rather than obvious confrontation. The precise spelling is “infiltrating,” while the base form is “infiltrate”; the present participle ending -ing is standard in both British and American English.
verbTo enter a place, group, or organization secretly or gradually, especially without being noticed or authorized. It can also mean to introduce something into a system or situation in this way.
- To enter secretly or without authorization.
- To join a group or organization in order to gain information or influence.
- To introduce something gradually into a place, system, or situation.
"The undercover officer infiltrated the group to gather intelligence."
"Several reporters infiltrated the restricted meeting to observe the proceedings."
"The new policy gradually infiltrated the organization, changing how decisions were made."
The word comes from the idea of filtering: entering gradually and unnoticed, like one substance passing through a filter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does infiltrating come from?
The word comes from English “infiltrate,” which was borrowed from French infiltrer. French in turn drew on Latin-based forms associated with filtrare, “to filter,” and its sense originally involved passing into or through something in a concealed or gradual manner. English later extended the word from physical entry to covert joining and the gradual penetration of organizations, systems, and ideas.
Related word forms
How infiltrating is actually used
The verb is commonly used in political, military, security, and organizational contexts. It can carry a negative or clandestine connotation, although it is also used neutrally for gradual spread or entry.
Easily confused with infiltrating
An infiltrate enters a place or organization secretly or without authorization, whereas a filter allows only selected material to pass through.