verb (used with object), sub·merged, sub·merg·ing.
- to put or sink below the surface of water or any other enveloping medium.
- to cover or overflow with water; immerse.
- to cover; bury; subordinate; suppress: His aspirations were submerged by the necessity of making a living.
verb (used without object), sub·merged, sub·merg·ing.
- to sink or plunge under water or beneath the surface of any enveloping medium.
- to be covered or lost from sight.
verb
- to plunge, sink, or dive or cause to plunge, sink, or dive below the surface of water, etc
- (tr) to cover with water or some other liquid
- (tr) to hide; suppress
- (tr) to overwhelm, as with work, difficulties, etc
c.1600, from Latin submergere “to plunge under, sink, overwhelm,” from sub “under” (see sub-) + mergere “to plunge, immerse” (see merge). Intransitive use is from 1650s, made common 20c. in connection with submarines. Related: Submerged; submerging.