plunge

[pluhnj]

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).

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.

plunge

/ 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

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

Other Word Forms

• replunge verb
• unplunged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunge¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunge¹

C14: from Old French plongier, from Vulgar Latin plumbicāre (unattested) to sound with a plummet, from Latin plumbum lead

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see take the plunge.

Synonym Study

See dip ¹.

Example Sentences

Then one day, as I sat down, the seat broke, and my fleshy cheek seemed to have plunged into the abyss.

From Los Angeles Times

The miniature Erewhon will be tucked away near cold plunge pools and a sauna at 120 Leroy Street in New York City, according to blueprints Fieg posted on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Civil war that broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF has plunged the country into famine and has led to accusations of genocide in the western Darfur region.

From BBC

It can also explain the deceptive normality of life when a society plunges into dictatorship.

From Salon

Thailand's prime minister has been removed by the Constitutional Court, plunging the country's politics into turmoil and dealing a blow to its most powerful political dynasty.

From BBC

Related Words

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