Plunge

English Meaning

To thrust into water, or into any substance that is penetrable; to immerse; to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly; to thrust; as, to plunge the body into water; to plunge a dagger into the breast. Also used figuratively; as, to plunge a nation into war.

1. To thrust or throw forcefully into a substance or place: "Plunge the lobsters, head first, into a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water” ( Craig Claiborne).
2. To cast suddenly, violently, or deeply into a given state or situation: "The street was plunged in cool shadow” ( Richard Wright).
3. To fall or throw oneself into a substance or place: We plunged into the icy mountain lake.
4. To throw oneself earnestly or wholeheartedly into an activity or situation: plunged into my studies.
5. To enter or move headlong through something: The hunting dogs plunged into the forest.
6. To descend steeply; fall precipitously: a cliff that plunges to the sea.
7. To move forward and downward violently: The rider plunged from the bucking horse.
8. To become suddenly lower; decrease dramatically: Stock prices plunged during the banking crisis.
9. To speculate or gamble extravagantly.
10. The act or an instance of plunging.
11. A place or area, such as a swimming pool, for diving or plunging.
12. A swim; a dip.
13. take the plunge Informal To begin an unfamiliar venture, especially after hesitating: After a three-year engagement, they're finally taking the plunge.