to pierce
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to pierce through
To drill or pierce a hole all the way through an object. This can be done with a tool or a pointed object.
Er musste die dicke Holzwand durchbohren, um das Kabel zu verlegen.
He had to pierce through the thick wooden wall to lay the cable.
The verb 'durchbohren' (to pierce through) is inseparable. The prefix 'durch-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'bohren' (to drill) in all sentence forms and tenses.
Der Handwerker durchbohrte die Wand an mehreren Stellen.
The craftsman pierced the wall in several places.
You can recognize the meaning from the object of the sentence. If it is a physical object such as a wall or wood, the literal meaning is intended. If the object is a person, it refers to an intense gaze.
Man muss das Metall langsam durchbohren, damit es nicht überhitzt.
You have to pierce through the metal slowly so that it doesn't overheat.
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'jemanden mit seinem Blick durchbohren' (to pierce someone with one's gaze). The 'tool' here is therefore the gaze.
Sie sagte kein Wort, sondern durchbohrte ihn nur mit ihrem eiskalten Blick.
She didn't say a word, but only pierced him with her icy gaze.
to sting / stab
'stechen' and 'durchbohren' both have to do with a pointed object going into something. The important difference is depth. With 'stechen', something penetrates a surface and may cause pain or a small wound. But it does not have to go all the way through. 'durchbohren' means that a hole is made completely through something. That is why 'durchbohren' is more suitable for materials, tools, or very strong stabs. The words can be confused because a stab can also be deep. If only the penetration is important, you say 'stechen'; if it goes all the way through, you say 'durchbohren'.
Der Nagel durchbohrt das dünne Brett und kommt auf der anderen Seite heraus.
The nail pierces through the thin board and comes out on the other side.
Beim Nähen sticht sich Lena mit der Nadel in den Finger.
While sewing, Lena pricks her finger with the needle.