What does soak mean?
Soak is a versatile verb describing the process of immersing something in liquid until it becomes thoroughly wet or saturated, as when beans are soaked before cooking or a cloth is soaked in warm water. It can also mean to absorb moisture, as a sponge does, and, when used of rain, to make a person or surface completely wet. In informal British and American English, “soak” can describe imposing an excessive charge, while the related noun may refer to a long bath, a period of relaxation, or an informal drinking session. Its broad range of uses makes it useful for describing both literal moisture and figurative absorption, including someone who “soaks up” information or an experience that leaves a person emotionally saturated.
To immerse something in liquid, absorb moisture or liquid, become thoroughly wet, or informally charge someone excessively.
"They soaked the bread in milk and served it with fruit."
The meaning “charge excessively” is informal and usually used in the passive or in phrases such as “soak customers.”
An act or period of soaking, a thorough wetting, or, informally, a prolonged bath, relaxation period, or drinking session.
"After the long drive, she took a warm soak in the bath."
The plural is used for separate instances of soaking or for informal drinking sessions.
"The old clothes were left to soak in the basin."
The word soak can describe everything from a thirsty sponge to an unexpectedly steep bill: a soaking rain, a sponge soaking up water, and a company soaking its customers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soak come from?
The word comes from Old English sōcan, meaning to soak or steep, with related forms developing through Middle English. Its Germanic root is also connected with words such as suck and suckle, reflecting the older association between drawing in moisture and taking in liquid. The modern senses preserve both the original idea of immersion and the extended figurative meanings involving absorption and excessive charging.
Related word forms
How soak is actually used
In its monetary sense, “soak” is informal and generally means to impose excessive charges. As a noun, “soak” can mean a thorough soaking or, informally, a long spell of relaxation or drinking.
Easily confused with soak
To soak is to immerse something in liquid or allow it to absorb liquid, whereas to suck is to draw liquid into the mouth or through a narrow opening.