plunge
Pronunciation: (plunj), [key]
— v., n. plunged, plung•ing,
—v.t.
- 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.
- 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.
- to place (a potted plant) up to its rim in soil or in certain other materials, as sand or moss.
- to transit (the telescope of a transit or theodolite).
—v.i.
- to cast oneself, or fall as if cast, into water, a hole, etc.
- to rush or dash with headlong haste: to plunge through a crowd.
- to bet or speculate recklessly: to plunge on the stock market.
- to throw oneself impetuously or abruptly into some condition, situation, matter, etc.: to plunge into debt.
- to descend abruptly or precipitously, as a cliff, road, etc.
- to pitch violently forward, as a horse, ship, etc.
—n.
- act of plunging.
- a leap or dive, as into water.
- a headlong or impetuous rush or dash: a plunge into danger.
- a sudden, violent pitching movement.
- a place for plunging or diving, as a swimming pool.
- pitch (def. 48).
- 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.