Definition of the word dive in

The phrase "dive in" is a common instruction in swimming or diving sports, telling someone to plunge into a body of water. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when the word "dive" in its current meaning began to emerge in the English language. Prior to the 1850s, the word "dive" commonly referenced verbs such as "burrow" or "plunge", but its usage in relation to swimming was still not widespread. It wasn't until the popularization of "frogmen" or underwater divers, typically employed as military engineers in the mid-1800s, that the modern meaning of the word "dive" began to take shape. In this context, "dive" came to mean deliberately descending into a body of water, often with equipment or tools. By the end of the 19th century, the verb "dive" specifically referenced the action of plunging into water to swim or execute an underwater activity, and the phrase "dive in" emerged as a clear and concise instruction for beginning such a pursuit. Today, the term "dive in" is an internationally recognized signal used to begin swimming competitions, signify the onset of any underwater activity, or encourage someone confidently to immerse themselves into a body of water.