lose oneself

lose oneself  {v. phr.}

1. To go wrong; miss your way; become unable to find the right direction.

Fred lost himself in the confusion of downtown Boston streets.

2. To conceal yourself; hide.

The pick-pocket lost himself in the crowd and escaped the police.

3. To become deeply interested and forget yourself; become absorbed.

Sometimes Harry would lose himself in a book for an afternoon at a time.

Compare: IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN.