Drown: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually related to a situation where someone dies because they cannot breathe underwater. It has a serious, often tragic connotation.

• He almost drowned while swimming in the ocean

Refers to causing someone to have difficulty breathing or to deprive them of air, often resulting in death. This can be due to various reasons, not just underwater scenarios.

• The smoke from the fire could suffocate anyone inside
• He felt like he was suffocating in the cramped space

Typically refers to something being placed completely underwater or being covered by a large amount of water temporarily.

• He submerged the vegetables in water to clean them
• The town was submerged after the heavy rains

Often used to describe completely covering something in a liquid, or fully engaging someone in an activity or experience.

• She immersed herself in studying for the final exams
• To cook the pasta, immerse it in boiling water