1 [intransitive and transitive]
if a tyre punctures, or if you puncture it, a small hole appears in it:
A piece of glass punctured the back tyre.
to make a small hole in something:
One bullet punctured his lung.
Pressurized container - do not puncture.
to interrupt a period of silence by making a noise:
There was a stunned silence, punctured by shrill laughter.
to suddenly destroy someone's hopes or beliefs, making them feel unhappy, embarrassed, or confused:
He wasn't hurt, but his dignity was punctured.