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

Now Welcoming Digital Nomads — What to Know Before Going From the moment travelers step onboard, they’re immersed in the essence of New Zealand. —Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025

On the repeatability of wrinkling topography patterns in the fingers of water immersed human skin Extreme Mechanics Letters. —Discover Magazine, 16 May 2025

Trained as an economist before turning to photography in his late 20s, Salgado approaches his subjects with deep empathy and unwavering patience, often spending years immersed in a single project. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Meanwhile, the subject of their curiosity is shown immersed in the simplicity of her daily routine — mopping floors, studying, and living a low-key life. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 May 2025

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

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