pierce / pi(ə)rs/ • v. [tr.] (of a sharp pointed object) go into or through (something): a splinter had pierced the skin. ∎  prick (something) with a sharp instrument: she pierced the meat with a fork. ∎  make (a hole) with a sharp instrument: I had to pierce another hole in my belt. ∎  make a hole in (the ears, nose, or other part of the body) so as to wear jewelry in them: [as adj.] (pierced) kids with pierced noses. ∎  (usu. be pierced) bore a hole or tunnel through: the dividing wall is pierced by arches and piers. ∎  force or cut a way through: they were seeking to pierce the antiballistic-missile defenses a shrill voice pierced the air.

pierce XIII. ME. perce — (O)F. percer :- Rom. *pertūsiāre, f. L. pertūsus, pp. of pertundere bore through, f. PER- + tundere thrust.