verb

impregnate

To fertilize in reproduction.

A male rabbit can impregnate several females during the breeding season.

Etymology

The Latin verb means to make pregnant. This reproductive sense preserves the direct biological meaning rather than the later comparison with saturating a material.

More examples

He impregnated his partner despite using birth control.
A single sperm can impregnate an egg.
The mare was impregnated through artificial insemination.

Forms

impregnate · impregnates · impregnated · impregnating

impregnation noun — The act of causing pregnancy or fertilization.

Similar words

fertilize: Focuses on joining reproductive cells rather than making someone pregnant.