penetrating

Universal Words adjective 1 (of sb's eyes or the way they look at you) making you feel uncomfortable because the person seems to know what you are thinking: penetrating blue eyes * a penetrating gaze / look / stare 2 (of a sound or voice) loud and hard: Her voice was shrill and penetrating. 3 showing that you have understood sth quickly and completely: a penetrating comment / criticism / question 4 spreading deeply or widely: a penetrating smell * the penetrating cold / damp