permeate

permeate (something) with (something)

To cause something to become full or saturated with something. Often used in passive constructions. Her cooking permeated the air with wonderful aromas. The extreme rainfall had begun permeating the walls with moisture. His stories are typically permeated with allusions to real events.

See also: permeate

permeate through (something)

To pass or seep through something that is not entirely solid, such as a mesh or porous material. The store said this jacket was waterproof, but I can feel moisture starting to permeate through it. The fungus permeated through the thin walls, eventually contaminating every room in the house.

See also: permeate, through

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

permeate something with something

to saturate something with something. The comedian permeated his act with smutty jokes. The evening air was permeated with the smell of jasmine.

See also: permeate

permeate through something

to seep in and saturate something. The coffee spilled on the desk and permeated through all the papers and stuff. The strong odor permeated through the walls and nearly suffocated us.

See also: permeate, through

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.