submergir

Submergir is a Portuguese verb that denotes causing something to go under the surface of a liquid, i.e., to dip, immerse, or plunge beneath the surface. It can also be used reflexively to indicate immersion of the subject itself, as in se submergir, meaning to immerse oneself in an activity, situation, or set of thoughts. In addition to its literal sense, submergir can be used figuratively to express being overwhelmed or deeply absorbed by a matter or experience.

Etymology and related forms: The verb derives from Latin submergere, formed by sub- (under) and mergere (to dip or sink). Related nouns include submersão (immersion) and submersível (submersible), while the adjective submerso describes something that is submerged or underwater.

Usage and register: Submergir is generally transitive, taking a direct object (submergir algo). It may also appear in reflexive form (submergir-se) to describe the subject immersing itself. In everyday speech, mergulhar is more common for physical immersion, whereas submergir is often preferred in technical, nautical, or formal contexts, as well as in figurative speech.

Examples:

- O submarino submergiu a uma grande profundidade.

- Ela se submergiu nos estudos para a prova final.

- O objeto foi submergido em água quente para limpeza.

Notes: The verb forms part of standard Portuguese usage in Brazil and Portugal, with spelling and conjugation governed by regular patterns for -ir verbs, though concrete conjugations vary by tense and mood.