To impact one on a deep, emotionally meaningful level; to stir a strong emotion in one, especially sadness, pity, etc. When the lights came on, the room was silent, and you could tell the documentary had pierced everyone's heart. It pierced my heart seeing my father's new one-bedroom apartment, with its bare walls and random assortment of appliances and utensils.

To penetrate, perforate, or cut through someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "pierce" and "through." Rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds. The metal beam that had been hurled by the tornado pierced the building clean through. The bullet didn't hit any organs when it pierced through him.

An extremely loud and shrill scream or shriek. Her piercing screams could be heard for miles around. He let out a piercing scream as the knife plunged into his thigh.