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launch1 definition

launch (lônc̸h)

transitive verb

  1. to hurl, discharge, or send off (a weapon, blow, etc.)
  2. to send forth with some force to launch a plane by catapult
  3. to cause (a newly built vessel) to slide from the land into the water; set afloat
  4. to set in operation; start, inaugurate, etc. to launch an attack, launch a new ad campaign
  5. to start (a person) on some course or career

Etymology: ME launchen < OFr lanchier < LL(Ec) lanceare, to wield a lance < L lancea, lance

intransitive verb

  1. to put to sea: often with out or forth
  2. to start on some new course or enterprise: often with out or forth
  3. to throw oneself (into) with vigor; rush; plunge to launch into a tirade

noun

the act or process of launching

adjective

designating or of vehicles, facilities, sites, etc. used in the launching of spacecraft or missiles
launch2 definition

launch (lônc̸h)

noun

  1. Historical the largest boat carried by a warship
  2. an open, or partly enclosed, motorboat

Etymology: Sp or Port lancha < ? Malay lancharan < lanchar, swift

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

business launch definition - business

launch Synonyms

launch

n.

motorboat, cabin cruiser, ship's launch; see boat, ship.


launch

v.

  1. To initiate

    originate, start, set going; see begin 1.

  2. To send off

    set in motion, propel, drive, lance, thrust, fire off, send forth, eject; see also drive 1, 3.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

launch Usage Examples

Object

  • campaign: Last week, Oxfam launched the new campaign to MAKE TRADE FAIR.

Converse of object

  • announce: We are pleased to announce the launch of this exciting venture.

Preposition: at

  • beginning: Head teacher Richard Wiggin says many parents are already taking advantage of the scheme, which was launched at the beginning of the month.

Adjective modifier

  • official: Monday 2nd December sees the official launch of this new group to bring local people together to promote healthy hearts.

Modifies a noun

  • pad: But at least the rain should keep the rocket on its launch pad.

Noun used with modifier

  • product: Here you can browse through information about Lager, including new product launches.

Preposition: in

  • spring: The final CD-Rom will be launched in spring 2006.

Preposition: of

  • euro: The warning came as fresh data from Portugal and Italy point to the worst budget deficits since the launch of the euro.
launch usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"launch." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/launch>

APA Style

launch. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/launch

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