Dictionary
plunge
Pronunciation: (plunj), [key]
—v., plunged, plung•ing,
—n.
—
v.t.
1. to cast or thrust forcibly or suddenly into something, as a liquid, a penetrable substance, a place, etc.; immerse; submerge:
to plunge a dagger into one's heart.
2. to bring suddenly or forcibly into some condition, situation, etc.:
to plunge a country into war; to pull a switch and plunge a house into darkness.
3. Hort.to place (a potted plant) up to its rim in soil or in certain other materials, as sand or moss.
4. Survey.to transit (the telescope of a transit or theodolite).
—
v.i.
1. to cast oneself, or fall as if cast, into water, a hole, etc.
2. to rush or dash with headlong haste:
to plunge through a crowd.
3. to bet or speculate recklessly:
to plunge on the stock market.
4. to throw oneself impetuously or abruptly into some condition, situation, matter, etc.:
to plunge into debt.
5. to descend abruptly or precipitously, as a cliff, road, etc.
6. to pitch violently forward, as a horse, ship, etc.
—
n.
1. act of plunging.
2. a leap or dive, as into water.
3. a headlong or impetuous rush or dash:
a plunge into danger.
4. a sudden, violent pitching movement.
5. a place for plunging or diving, as a swimming pool.
6. Geol.pitch (def. 48).
7. take the plunge, to enter with sudden decision upon an unfamiliar course of action, as after hesitation or deliberation:
She took the plunge and invested her entire savings in the plan. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
