launch Hear it!

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

launch Synonyms

launch

n.

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

launch Synonyms

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.

launch Usage Examples

Object

  • campaign: Last week, Oxfam launched the new campaign to MAKE TRADE FAIR.
  • attack: Yes, Clinton launched a cruise missile attack on the mountains of Afghanistan.
  • initiative: President Bush launched the international initiative in Krakow, Poland, in May 2003.
  • consultation: Notes to Editors: The Microgeneration Strategy is a result of a three month consultation launched in June 2005.
  • today: April 2005 26/04/05 New telephone hotline launched A new one-stop service to make booking a golfing holiday in St Andrews easier was launched today.
  • appeal: Usually they would launch a fundraising appeal, apply for a grant or borrow from the bank.

Converse of object

  • announce: We are pleased to announce the launch of this exciting venture.
  • celebrate: Come and celebrate the launch of the Awareness Week, at a party where everyone's welcome!
  • attend: Those attending the launch will receive a complimentary copy of the report.
  • see: The second half saw the launch of an exciting new Scottish dance band, the New Harry Roberts Band.

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.
  • successful: Lewis Lite gains weight 4 th October 2005 Following the successful launch of Lewis Lite, the service has now been expanded.
  • upcoming: The upcoming launch is scheduled for 06:09 GMT on Friday, 26 September 2003 with a live satellite link across Europe via Eutelsat W2.

Modifies a noun

  • pad: But at least the rain should keep the rocket on its launch pad.
  • date: The service, to be called La Tre, aims to reach 70 % of the Italian population by the launch date.

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.
  • campaign: Right out: news release Our news release from March 2002 to announce the launch of this campaign.