Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - permeate

(permeates, permeating, permeated) 1. If an idea, feeling, or attitude permeates a system or permeates society, it affects every part of it or is present throughout it. Bias against women permeates every level of the judicial system... An obvious change of attitude at the top will permeate through the system. VERB: V n, V through n 2. If something permeates a place, it spreads throughout it. The smell of roast beef permeated the air... Eventually, the water will permeate through the surrounding concrete. VERB: V n, V through n