First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1plunge
verb \ˈplənj\
: to fall or jump suddenly from a high place
: to fall or drop suddenly in amount, value, etc.
: to have a steep slope or drop downward
plungedplung·ing
Full Definition of PLUNGE
transitive verb
1
: to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something <plunged the dagger>
2
: to cause to enter a state or course of action usually suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently <plunged the nation into economic depression>
intransitive verb
1
: to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water
2
a : to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward; also : to move oneself in such a manner <plunged off the embankment> b : to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly <plunges into project after project> c : to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly
3
: to descend or dip suddenly <the stock's value plunged>
See plunge defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PLUNGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French plunger, from Vulgar Latin *plumbicare, from Latin plumbum lead
Related to PLUNGE
2plunge
noun
: a sudden fall or jump usually from a high place
: a sudden quick fall in amount, value, etc.
: the act of suddenly beginning to be in a particular condition or situation
Full Definition of PLUNGE
See plunge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLUNGE
15th century
PLUNGE Defined for Kids
1plunge
verb \ˈplənj\
plungedplung·ing
Definition of PLUNGE for Kids
1
: to leap or dive suddenly <She plunged into the water.>
2
: to thrust or force quickly <The cat plunged its head blissfully into the bowl. — Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved>
3
: to suddenly enter or cause to enter a certain situation or state <Foolish investments plunged the family into debt.>
4
: to drop suddenly downward or forward and downward <Cliffs plunge to the valley.>
2plunge
noun
Definition of PLUNGE for Kids
: a sudden dive, rush, or leap
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