pierce

name

1. A male given name from Ancient Greek, medieval variant of Piers. Modern usage may also derive from the surname.
2. A surname originating as a patronymic.
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noun

Etymology: Borrowed from Japanese ピアス (piasu, “pierced earring”), itself from English pierce.

1. A pierced earring.

verb

Etymology: From Middle English perce, from conjugated forms of Old French percier such as (jeo) pierce (“I pierce”), probably from Vulgar Latin *pertūsiō, from Latin pertūsus, past participle of pertundō (“thrust or bore through”), from per- (“through”) + tundō (“beat, pound”). Displaced native Old English þȳrlian (literally “to hole”).

1. To puncture; to break through.

   “The diver pierced the surface of the water with scarcely a splash.”

   “to pierce the enemy's line; a shot pierced the ship”

2. To create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelry.

   “Can you believe he pierced his tongue?”

3. to break or interrupt abruptly

   “A dreadful scream pierced the silence.”

4. To get to the heart or crux of (a matter).

   “to pierce a mystery”

5. To penetrate; to affect deeply.

   “A stab of fear pierced my heart.”

   “pierced with grief”