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 ...