PIERCE, verb transitive pers.

1. To thrust into with a pointed instrument; as, to pierce the body with a sword or spear; to pierce the side with a thorn.

2. To penetrate; to enter; to force a way into; as, a column of troops pierced the main body of the enemy; a shot pierced the ship.

3. To penetrate the heart deeply; to touch the passions; to excite or affect the passions. 1 Timothy 6:10.

4. To dive or penetrate into, as a secret or purpose.

PIERCE, verb intransitive pers. To enter; as a pointed instrument.

1. To penetrate; to force a way into or through any thing. The shot pierced through the side of the ship.

Her tears will pierce into a marble heart.

2. To enter; to dive or penetrate, as into a secret.

She would not pierce further into his meaning than himself should declare.

3. To affect deeply.