permeate

Universal Words verb (formal) 1 (of a liquid, gas, etc.) to spread to every part of an object or a place: [VN] The smell of leather permeated the room. * The air was permeated with the odour of burning rubber. * [V+adv./prep.] rainwater permeating through the ground 2 (of an idea, an influence, a feeling, etc.) to affect every part of sth: [VN] a belief that permeates all levels of society * A feeling of unease permeates the novel. * [V+adv./prep.] Dissatisfaction among the managers soon permeated down to members of the workforce. permeation noun [U] (formal)