plunge

[[t]plʌndʒ[/t]]

v. plunged, plung•ing, n.

1) to cast or thrust forcibly or suddenly into something:

to plunge a dagger into one's heart[/ex]

2) to bring suddenly or forcibly into some condition, situation, etc.:

to plunge a house into darkness[/ex]

3) to cast oneself, or fall as if cast, into water, from a great height, etc.; plummet

4) to rush or dash with headlong haste:

to plunge through a crowd[/ex]

5) to bet or speculate recklessly

6) to throw oneself impetuously or abruptly into some condition or situation:

to plunge into debt[/ex]

7) to descend abruptly or precipitously, as a cliff or road

8) to pitch violently forward, as a ship

9) the act of plunging

10) a leap or dive, as into water

11) a headlong or impetuous rush or dash

12) a sudden, violent pitching movement

•

- take the plunge

Etymology: 1325–75; ME < MF plung(i) er « VL *plumbicāre to heave the lead. See plumb syn: See dip I .