Meaning & Definition of word "Plunge"

Plunge

/plʌndʒ/

noun:

  • 1. a fall or descent.
    • Example: The plunge of the cliff took his breath away as he stood at the edge.
  • 2. an act of plunging; a sudden, forceful or rapid movement.
    • Example: They took a plunge into the icy water during their summer adventures.
  • 3. a sudden decrease in value or amount.
    • Example: The company experienced a significant plunge in sales this quarter.

verb:

  • 1. to fall or descend abruptly or dramatically.
    • Example: The stock market plunged after the disappointing economic news.
  • 2. to immerse or submerge something in a liquid.
    • Example: She decided to plunge her hands into the cold water to feel the temperature.
  • 3. to move or act with sudden speed or force.
    • Example: The athlete plunged into the pool at the sound of the starting gun.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'plonger', from Latin 'plumbicare'

Common Phrases and Expressions

take the plunge:

To make a decision to do something significant or challenging after much consideration.

plunge into:

To start doing something with a lot of enthusiasm.

plunge headfirst:

To do something with great enthusiasm and without hesitation.

Related Words

dive:

To jump into water or to go down quickly.

immerse:

To involve deeply in a particular activity.

Slang Meanings of plunge

Meaning: To jump into a commitment or situation without careful consideration.

Example Sentence: He really took the plunge when he proposed.

Meaning: To spend a lot of money on something impulsively.

Example Sentence: After a month of saving, she plunged on a new car.