Submerge: meaning, definitions and examples

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submerge

[səbˈmɜːrdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

underwater

To submerge means to completely cover or immerse something in water or another liquid. It can also refer to sinking below the surface of water or disappearing from view. Submerging can be intentional or accidental.

Synonyms

dunk, immerse, plunge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
submerge	Used when something or someone goes underwater or below the surface, generally implying a more neutral or technical meaning. She submerged herself in the hot bath. The submarine will submerge for its mission.
immerse	Refers to completely involving oneself or something else in a liquid, or being deeply involved in an activity; it often has a more formal or intense connotation. She decided to immerse herself in her studies. The photographer immersed the film in the developing solution.
plunge	Implies a rapid or forceful movement into water or another substance, often associated with a sense of suddenness or daring. The car plunged into the river. He decided to plunge into the icy waters of the lake.
dunk	Commonly applied to the action of quickly dipping something into a liquid, especially in a casual or informal context such as food and drink. He likes to dunk his cookies in milk. She dunked the bread into the soup.

Examples of usage

The diver decided to submerge himself in the deep blue sea.
The submarine slowly began to submerge beneath the waves.
The flood caused the entire town to submerge under water.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

information

To submerge can also mean to suppress or hide something, especially information or feelings. It implies keeping something concealed or out of sight.

Synonyms

conceal, hide, suppress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
submerge	This word is often used when something is put under water or any other liquid. It can also metaphorically mean to completely immerse or cover something. The treasure was submerged under the ocean for centuries. He submerged himself in work to forget his worries.
suppress	This word usually means to stop something from being seen, heard, or felt. It has a more forceful or controlling connotation and can relate to feelings, information, or physical actions. He tried to suppress his anger during the meeting. The government suppressed the news to avoid panic.
conceal	Use this when you are talking about hiding something so that it cannot be seen or discovered. It often suggests intent and effort to keep something secret. She tried to conceal the letter in her drawer. He concealed his true feelings from everyone.
hide	This is a common word for making someone or something hard to see or find. It can relate to both physical objects and emotions. He would always hide his toys under the bed. She hid her disappointment with a smile.

Examples of usage

She tried to submerge her feelings for him, pretending everything was fine.
The government attempted to submerge the scandal, but the truth eventually came out.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'submergere', where 'sub' means under, and 'mergere' means to dip or plunge.
It entered the English language in the early 15th century, originally used to describe the act of sinking or going underwater.

Science

Submerging objects can create buoyancy effects; for example, a submerged balloon experiences an upward force when underwater.
In physics, submerging an object in water can lead to changes in pressure and temperature around the object.

Cultural References

In literature, submerging often symbolizes the act of hiding or burying emotions, like in novels where characters immerse themselves in water to escape their problems.
Movies often use submerging as a dramatic plot device, showcasing characters who face great trials below the surface, like in underwater adventures.

Environmental Context

Submerging can occur naturally, as seen in floods, where places are temporarily covered by water.
Conservation efforts sometimes involve submerging artificial reefs to promote marine life and dissolve environmental damage.

Psychology

In a metaphorical sense, to submerge can describe the act of suppressing feelings or memories, like burying sadness deep within.
Therapeutic practices can help individuals confront what they've submerged emotionally, encouraging healing.

Translations

Translations of the word "submerge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mergulhar

🇮🇳 डुबाना

🇩🇪 untertauchen

🇮🇩 menyelam

🇺🇦 занурювати

🇵🇱 zanurzać

🇯🇵 沈める (shizumeru)

🇫🇷 immerger

🇪🇸 sumergir

🇹🇷 daldırmak

🇰🇷 잠기다

🇸🇦 غمر

🇨🇿 ponořit

🇸🇰 ponoriť

🇨🇳 浸没 (jìnmò)

🇸🇮 potopiti

🇮🇸 dýfa

🇰🇿 батыру

🇬🇪 ჩაძირვა

🇦🇿 batırmaq

🇲🇽 sumergir

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,005, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27002 useable
27003 crinkled
27004 clumsiness
27005 submerge
27006 recasting
27007 languidly
27008 appertain
...