To puncture; to break through

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

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

“Can you believe he pierced his tongue?”

To break or interrupt abruptly

“A scream pierced the silence.”

The action of the verb to pierce.

A hole made in the body so that jewellery/jewelry can be worn through it.

“ear piercing”

An item of jewelry designed to be fitted through a piercing.

Appearing to look deeply into; penetrating.

“piercing eyes”

Of temperature, extremely cold so that it penetrates through clothing and shelter.

Of sound, loud and sharp; shrill.

“The piercing noise of the children could be heard two blocks from the elementary school.”