verb

immerse

ih-MURS/ɪˈmɜːrs/

To submerge completely in a surrounding liquid.

A woman immerses a small sponge in a clear bowl of water.

Woman fully submerges a small sponge with one hand into a clear bowl of water; underwater sponge clearly below surface and hand above, few droplets; simple white setting.

Etymology

The pieces express plunging something into liquid. That physical image extends to study, work, or passion: people deeply involved are figuratively submerged in what occupies them.

In context

Benjamin McEvoy4:59

each year you're going to read more literature you're going to immerse yourself in more great works and you're going to pile up your knowledge

How to Read Ulysses by James Joyce (10 Tips)

More examples

Immerse the tomatoes in boiling water to loosen their skins.
Keep the fabric fully immersed in the dye.
Never immerse the electric mixer in water.

Forms

immerse · immerses · immersed · immersing

immersion noun — The act of submerging something completely.

Similar words

submerge: Can describe sinking underwater without someone deliberately placing something there.
dip: Usually means putting something briefly or partly into liquid.
dunk: Suggests a quick, deliberate push beneath a liquid's surface.