soak / sōk/ • v. [tr.] 1. make or allow (something) to become thoroughly wet by immersing it in liquid: soak the beans overnight in water. ∎  [intr.] be immersed in water or another liquid: she spent some time soaking in a hot bath. ∎  (of a liquid) cause (something or someone) to become extremely wet: the rain poured down, soaking their hair. ∎  [intr.] (of a liquid) penetrate or permeate completely: cold water was soaking into my shoes. ∎  (soak something off/out) remove something by immersing it in water for a period of time: don't disturb the wound—soak the dressing off if necessary. ∎  (soak oneself in) immerse oneself in (a particular experience, activity, or interest): he soaked himself in the music of Mozart.2. inf. impose heavy charges or taxation on: few of us common people care how much tax Congress soaks on racing motorboats.3. [intr.] archaic, inf. drink heavily: you keep soaking in taverns.• n. 1. [in sing.] an act of immersing someone or something in liquid for a period of time: I'm looking forward to a long soak in the tub.2. inf. a heavy drinker: his daughter stayed up to put the old soak to bed.PHRASAL VERBS: soak something up absorb a liquid: use clean tissues to soak up any droplets of water. ∎ fig. expose oneself to or experience (something beneficial or enjoyable): lie back and soak up the Mediterranean sun he spends his time painting and soaking up the culture. ∎ inf. cost or use up money: the project had soaked up over $1 billion.DERIVATIVES: soak·age / ˈsōkij/ n.soak·er n.