submerge
sub-MURJ
/səbˈmɜːrdʒ/
To go under the surface of water or to cause something to go under water.
Can be used literally for objects or figuratively for being overwhelmed by something.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sub' (under) and 'mergere' (to dip or plunge). It's the same root found in 'emergency' (a surfacing of a problem).
Word relationships
- immerse: Immerse can mean putting something into any liquid, not just water, and often implies a deeper involvement.
- sink: Sinking is usually unintentional or permanent; submerging can be controlled.
- surface: To come to the top of the water.
Commonly confused with
- emerge: Emerge means to come out; submerge means to go in.
Word family
- submergence (noun): The act of submerging.
- submersible (adjective): Able to be submerged.
Collocations
- fully submerge
- submerge underwater
- partially submerge
Example sentences
- "The submarine began to submerge as it moved away from the harbor." Safety manual
- "You must submerge your entire body to properly test the buoyancy of the suit." Diving instructions
Memory hook
A 'Sub'marine 'sub'merges. Sub = Under.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'immerse', which can mean just dipping; submerge usually means going completely under.
Fun facts
- Some aquatic plants can survive for weeks while completely submerged.
Also appears in
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