1. To place someone or something under the surface of a liquid; to immerse someone or something in some liquid. He submerged the pan in hot, soapy water to help loosen the food and grease that was stuck to it. The doctors submerged the patient in a solution meant to stimulate skin cell growth.

2. To cover someone or something with a liquid, either fully or partially. Used especially in passive constructions. Half the town was left submerged in mud after the hurricane. The entire cave is submerged in water, so we'll need scuba equipment to access it.

3. To obscure, obfuscate, or drowned out something with or through something else. The candidate is very good at submerging criticism in virulent attacks on her opponents. There are worries that recovery efforts will end up being submerged in the violent outbursts between the two countries.

4. To overwhelm, overpower, or overburden someone with something. I just feel like I'm being submerged in responsibilities that I've had no training for or experience with. He's going to put himself in an early grave with the way he submerges himself in his work.