Which word means to spread or flow through; to pervade?

The term that signifies the action of spreading or flowing through something, as well as conveying the sense of permeating or becoming ingrained within a substance, is accurately identified as "permeate." This word is often used to describe processes where substances, such as liquids or gases, travel through or saturate various materials, allowing a thorough and widespread distribution.

For example, when a scent permeates a room, it means that the fragrance spreads throughout the space, making it detectable in every corner. This concept extends beyond physical substances to ideologies or sentiments, illustrating how ideas can permeate a culture or society, affecting it deeply and broadly.

In contrast, the other options have their own distinctive meanings that do not align with the concept of spreading or flowing. For instance, "infiltrate" suggests entering or accessing a place secretly, while "diffuse" typically refers to scattering something over a wide area without necessarily implying the penetrating aspect of permeation. "Transgress" indicates a violation of rules or limits, which doesn't align with the notion of spreading or flowing through a medium. Thus, "permeate" is the most appropriate choice for the question posed.