Definition

Verb: * To disappear suddenly, as if by going beneath the surface of a body of water. This action implies a quick, downward motion that causes something or someone to vanish from sight.

Usage

The verb "bob under" is used to describe the specific action of something briefly and suddenly submerging below the surface of a liquid, typically water. It often conveys a sense of quickness and a temporary disappearance. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.

Examples

• The child laughed as the rubber duck would bob under the water and then pop back up.
• We watched the seal bob under the waves and then reappear a few meters away.
• The fishing float bobbed under, indicating a fish had taken the bait.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While its primary meaning is literal, "bob under" can be used figuratively to describe something that disappears from view or awareness in a similarly quick and temporary manner.
  • After a brief moment of fame, the singer seemed to bob under the surface of public consciousness.

Variants and Related Words

• Bob (verb): To move up and down with short, quick motions, especially on the surface of water. (e.g., )
• Submerge (verb): To cause to be under the surface of a liquid; to sink. This is a more general and often more complete term than "bob under."
• Duck (verb): To lower the head or body quickly to avoid something. This can involve briefly going under water.

Synonyms

• Dip under
• Plunge (though this implies more force)
• Submerge briefly
• Dunk (can be transitive)

Phrasal Verbs

• Bob up: To appear or come to the surface suddenly. This is the natural opposite of "bob under."
  • Just as we thought he was gone, his head bobbed up a few yards away.

Verb

1. disappear suddenly, as if under the surface of a body of water