plunge: Meaning and Definition of

plunge

Pronunciation: (plunj), [key]
— v., n. plunged, plung•ing,
—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. to place (a potted plant) up to its rim in soil or in certain other materials, as sand or moss.
  4. 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. pitch (def. 48).
  7. 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.
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