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

Immerse the fabric completely.

2

: engross, absorb

completely immersed in his work

3

: to baptize by immersion

Synonyms of immerse

• interest
• intrigue
• occupy
• fascinate
• involve
• attract
• engross
• engage
• busy

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

Donald was immersed in newspapers, not only the editorial process but also the stuff of print—typesetting, the quality of ink, the various grades of paper. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 29 May 2026

Ideally, this will take place immersed in nature, the quintessential stress-relieving environment. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026

Monterroso Mejia, however, didn’t initially immerse herself in this singular project. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026

At roughly 20 hours long for just the main campaign, the game already immerses players in Bond’s story for a period of time equal to or longer than most individual actors’ entire tenure. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for immerse

• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse
• reverse
• transverse

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