The verb penetrate has 7 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (7) penetrate, perforate -- (pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance; "The bullet penetrated her chest")
2. (3) penetrate, fathom, bottom -- (come to understand)
3. (1) click, get through, dawn, come home, get across, sink in, penetrate, fall into place -- (become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions; "It dawned on him that she had betrayed him"; "she was penetrated with sorrow")
4. infiltrate, penetrate -- (enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members; "The student organization was infiltrated by a traitor")
5. penetrate -- (make one's way deeper into or through; "The hikers did not manage to penetrate the dense forest")
6. penetrate -- (insert the penis into the vagina or anus of; "Did the molester penetrate the child?")
7. permeate, pervade, penetrate, interpenetrate, diffuse, imbue, riddle -- (spread or diffuse through; "An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration"; "music penetrated the entire building"; "His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks")