crash-dive

¹

[krash-dahyv, -dahyv]

verb (used with or without object)

crash-dived, crash-dove, crash-dived, crash-diving. 

1. to dive rapidly at a steep angle.

crash dive

²

noun

1. a rapid dive by a submarine made at a steep angle, especially to avoid attack from a surface vessel or airplane.

crash dive

noun

1. a sudden steep dive from the surface by a submarine

verb

1. (usually of an aircraft) to descend steeply and rapidly, before hitting the ground

2. to perform or cause to perform a crash dive

Word History and Origins

Origin of crash-dive¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Origin of crash-dive²

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

In the morning, a plane was sighted; an immediate crash dive was ordered, but the ship did not descend far enough, fast enough.

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Though bee populations are in a catastrophic crash dive across the world, threatening agriculture everywhere, there are some things people can do locally to help protect bee populations in Alaska, Lawless said.

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He turned—gazed, jumped back, and pushed the button for a crash dive.

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Such a performance is called a "crash dive."

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