plunge Definition

plunge
verb plunged, plunging

intr
1. To dive, throw oneself, fall or rush headlong in or into it.

Thesaurus: fall, dive, drop, hurtle, pitch, plummet, sink, swoop, tumble.
Form: plunge in something (usually)
Form: plunge into something
intr
2. To involve oneself rapidly and enthusiastically.

Form: plunge in something (usually)
Form: plunge into something
3. To thrust or push something.
tr & intr
4. To put something or someone into a particular state or condition.

Example: The power failed and plunged the town into darkness
5. To dip something briefly into water or other liquid.
intr
6. To dip steeply.

Example: The ship plunged and rose
intr
7. To gamble or squander recklessly.

noun

1. An act of plunging; a dive.
2. colloq
A dip or swim.
3. geol.
The inclination of a fold axis, measured in the vertical plane. Compare pitch.

Idiom: take the plunge

colloq
To commit oneself finally after hesitation; to take an irreversible decision.

Etymology: 14c: from French plungier, from an assumed Latin verb plumbicare to heave the lead, from plumbum lead.