liftoff

Or lift-off

[lift-awf, -of]

noun

1. Aeronautics, Rocketry.

   1. the action of an aircraft in becoming airborne or of a rocket in rising from its launching site under its own power.

   2. the instant when such action occurs.

2. Informal.,  the launching or commencement of a project, plan, etc..

   The liftoff of the sales campaign will be next month.

adjective

1. able to be shifted or removed by lifting off; capable of being lifted off.

   I organized the workshop with these liftoff adhesive labels for bins and shelves.

   We used magnetic liftoff nameplates on the lockers.

liftoff

/ ˈlɪftˌɒf /

noun

1. the initial movement or ascent of a rocket from its launch pad

2. the instant at which this occurs

verb

1. (intr, adverb) (of a rocket) to leave its launch pad

Word History and Origins

Origin of liftoff¹

First recorded in 1955–60; noun and adjective use of verb phrase lift off

Example Sentences

Then it would be a matter of seconds before liftoff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gurr created the initial design, a “Buck Rogers”-inspired space age vehicle, as Gurr wanted it to feel sleek and ready for liftoff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Losing time sounds like it should slot neatly into a ticking-clock suspense film, but it never achieves liftoff the way “Memento” turned an amnesiac’s daily struggle into catnip.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a Falcon 9 rocket, the first stage separates from the second stage about 2 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the weight of expectations is a heavy thing to bear and they bog down this capable movie version on its way to liftoff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• launch