immerse yourself in

immerse yourself in — idiom

1. to put all your attention and energy into an activity, subject, or experience so

1.idiomB2
Definition

to put all your attention and energy into an activity, subject, or experience so that it completely takes hold of you

Example

Justin immersed himself in train maps before planning the family trip.

immerse yourself in + subject before a task

During the festival, Sivan immersed herself in local dance workshops.

immerse yourself in a cultural activity

Common collocations
  • immerse yourself in a book
  • immerse yourself in local culture
  • immerse yourself in research
  • immerse yourself in work
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • stay detached

    emphasizes keeping emotional or mental distance instead of becoming deeply involved

Grammar Patterns

immerse yourself in a book

immerse yourself in local culture

immerse yourself in research

Usage Note

Usually takes in plus an activity, subject, or surrounding environment. It often suggests that other concerns fade into the background because the person is giving complete attention to what they are doing.

Common Mistakes

I immersed myself into the book all weekend.
I immersed myself in the book all weekend.
This idiom normally takes in, not into.
She immersed in the project for three days.
She immersed herself in the project for three days.
The phrase usually needs a reflexive object such as himself, herself, or themselves.

Etymology

LatinFrenchModern English phrase

This phrase is built from immerse, a verb that first meant putting something into liquid. English later extended that image to people being surrounded by an activity, subject, or experience so fully that it seems to close around them. Adding yourself makes the phrase stress a deliberate choice to enter that state.