<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of piercing or perforating, as with a pointed instrument or object.</li><li>a hole or mark so made.</li><li>Synonyms: perforation, rupture, break</li><li>Zoology: a small pointlike depression.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to pierce or perforate, as with a pointed instrument: to puncture leather with an awl.</li><li>to make (a hole, perforation, etc.) by piercing or perforating: He punctured a row of holes in the cardboard.</li><li>to make a puncture in: A piece of glass punctured the tire.</li><li>to reduce or diminish as if by piercing; damage; wound: to puncture a person's pride.</li><li>to cause to collapse or disintegrate; spoil; ruin: to puncture one's dream of success.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to become punctured: These tires do not puncture easily.</li></ul>