immerse

verb

im·​merse i-ˈmərs 

immersed; immersing

transitive verb

1

: to plunge into something that surrounds or covers

especially : to plunge or dip into a fluid

2

: engross, absorb

completely immersed in his work

3

: to baptize by immersion

Synonyms

• absorb
• bemuse
• busy
• catch up
• engage
• engross
• enthrall
• enthral
• enwrap
• fascinate
• grip
• interest
• intrigue
• involve
• occupy

Examples of immerse in a Sentence

Immerse the fabric completely in the dye.

She had immersed herself in writing short stories.

He immersed himself in the culture of the island.

Recent Examples on the Web

Actor Nick Pupo plays Yarrow in A Complete Unknown. Peter, Paul and Mary were immersed in the volatile politics of the 1960s. —Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

In another photo, the trio of ladies were immersed in conversation, as was Chalamet, and all four stars were smiling. —Julia Moore, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

From her dramatic entrance atop a Lipizzaner steed, replete in a white cowboy hat and knee-high boots, the 43-year-year-old immersed the crowd in her unique brand of country. —Mike Wass, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Dec. 2024

But imagine my surprise when I was immersed in an hour-long, slow, deep stretch. —Jasmine Browley, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin immersus, past participle of immergere, from in- + mergere to merge

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

immerse

verb

im·​merse im-ˈərs 

immersed; immersing

1

: to plunge into something (as a fluid) that surrounds or covers

2

: to become completely involved in

immersed in a good book

immersion

-ˈər-zhən

-shən

noun