Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SINK, v.i. [pret. sunk; pp. id. The old pret. sank is nearly obsolete. Sax. sencan, sincan; Goth. sigcwan; G. sinken; D. zinken; Sw. siunka; Dan. synker; coinciding with siege. Class Sg.]

1. To fall by the force of greater gravity, in a medium or substance of less specific gravity; to subside; opposed to swim or float. Some species of wood or timber will sink in water. Oil will not sink in water and many other liquids, for it is specifically lighter. I sink in deep mire. – Ps. lxix.
2. To fall gradually. He sunk down in his chariot. – 2 Kings ix.
3. To enter or penetrate into any body. The stone sunk into his forehead. – 1 Sam. xvii.
4. To fall; to become lower; to subside or settle to a level. The Alps and Pyrenees sink before him. – Addison.
5. To be overwhelmed or depressed. Our country sinks beneath the yoke. – Shak.
6. To enter deeply; to be impressed. Let these sayings sink down into your ears. – Luke ix.
7. To become deep; to retire or fall within the surface of any thing; as, the eyes sink into the head.
8. To fall; to decline; to decay; to decrease. A free state gradually sinks into ruin. It is the duty of government to revive a sinking commerce. Let not the fire sink or slacken. – Mortimer.
9. To fall into rest or indolence; as, to sink away in pleasing dreams. – Addison.
10. To be lower; to fall; as, the price of land will sink in time of peace.