im ‧ merse /ɪˈmɜːs $ -ɜːrs/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: past participle of immergere , from mergere ; ⇨ ↑ merge ]
1 . to put someone or something deep into a liquid so that they are completely covered
immerse somebody/something in something
Immerse your foot in ice cold water to reduce the swelling.
2 . immerse yourself in something to become completely involved in an activity:
He left school at 16 and immersed himself in the Labour Party.
—immersed adjective :
She was far too immersed in her studies.
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THESAURUS
■ to put something into a liquid
▪ dip to put something into a liquid for a very short time and take it out again:
She dipped her hand in the water to see how hot it was.
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Prawns are delicious dipped in a spicy sauce.
▪ plunge to put something quickly, firmly, and deeply into a liquid:
Plunge the pasta into a pan of boiling water.
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I had to plunge my arm in up to the elbow to reach the keys.
▪ dunk to put something such as a piece of bread or cake into a hot drink or soup before eating it:
I love biscuits dunked in coffee.
▪ immerse to put something deep into a liquid so that it is completely covered:
If the plant’s leaves look dry, immerse the roots in water for a while.