'submerge' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'submergere,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'mergere' meant 'to plunge.'

'submergere' transformed into the Old French word 'submerger,' and eventually became the modern English word 'submerge' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to plunge under water,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cover or obscure completely.'