plunge

American  

[pluhnj] / plʌndʒ /

verb (used with object)

plunged, plunging

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. Horticulture.  to place (a potted plant) up to its rim in soil or in certain other materials, as sand or moss.

4. Surveying.  to transit (the telescope of a transit or theodolite).

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verb (used without object)

plunged, plunging

1. to cast oneself, or fall as if cast, into water, a hole, etc.

   Synonyms:

   dive

2. to rush or dash with headlong haste.

   to plunge through a crowd.

   Synonyms:

   hasten

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.

   Synonyms:

   drop

6. to pitch violently forward, as a horse, ship, etc.

noun

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. Geology.  pitch.

idioms

1. 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.

plunge British  

/ plʌndʒ /

verb

1. (usually foll by into) to thrust or throw (something, oneself, etc)

   they plunged into the sea

2. to throw or be thrown into a certain state or condition

   the room was plunged into darkness

3. (usually foll by into) to involve or become involved deeply (in)

   he plunged himself into a course of Sanskrit

4. (intr) to move or dash violently or with great speed or impetuosity

5. (intr) to descend very suddenly or steeply

   the ship plunged in heavy seas

   a plunging neckline

6. informal  (intr) to speculate or gamble recklessly, for high stakes, etc

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noun

1. a leap or dive as into water

2. informal  a swim; dip

3. a place where one can swim or dive, such as a swimming pool

4. a headlong rush

   a plunge for the exit

5. a pitching or tossing motion

6. informal

   1. to resolve to do something dangerous or irrevocable

   2. to get married

plunge More Idioms  

1. see take the plunge.

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Related Words

See dip ¹.

Other Word Forms

• replunge verb
• unplunged adjective

Etymology

Origin of plunge

1325–75; Middle English < Middle French plung ( i ) er ≪ Vulgar Latin *plumbicāre to heave the lead. See plumb

Example Sentences

Exports to the U.S. edged down 0.2% from a year earlier in November, following a 16% plunge in October, signaling the start of a recovery phase after months of declines.

From The Wall Street Journal

GM, Ford and Stellantis are adjusting their EV production to account for the sales plunge.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sultana boycotted the conference on Saturday over those expulsions, plunging the trouble-hit party into a fresh crisis.

From Barron's

Beloved by fans for his gregarious nature and light-hearted approach, Zoeller was plunged into controversy in 1997 as 21-year-old rising star Woods was marching to a stunning victory in the Masters.

From Barron's

Bear markets tend to be more violent, with the market plunging as the few remaining bulls throw in the towel.

From Barron's

Related Words

• descend
• dip
• drive
• drop
• go down
• hurtle
• jump
• nose-dive
• plummet
• sink
• throw
• tumble