sink1
v.
(past sank; past part. sunk)
- go down below the surface of liquid; become submerged.
▸(with reference to a ship) go or cause to go to the bottom of the sea.
- fail and not be seen or heard of again.
▸cause to fail.
▸conceal or ignore:
they agreed to sink their differences.
- drop downwards.
▸lower oneself or drop down gently.
▸gradually decrease or decline in amount or intensity.
▸lapse or fall into a particular state or condition.
-
(sink in)
(of words or facts) become fully understood.
- pocket (a ball) in snooker or billiards.
▸Golf hit the ball into the hole with (a putt or other shot).
- insert beneath a surface.
▸
(sink something into)
cause something sharp to penetrate (a surface).
▸excavate (a well) or bore (a shaft) vertically downwards.
-
(sink something in/into)
put money or energy into.
- Brit. informal rapidly consume (an alcoholic drink).
Phrase
- a
(or that)
sinking feeling
an unpleasant bodily sensation caused by apprehension or dismay. - sink or swim
fail or succeed by one's own efforts.
Derivative
Etymology
OE sincan, of Gmc origin.