launch
launch1 definition
launch (lônc̸h)
transitive verb
- to hurl, discharge, or send off (a weapon, blow, etc.)
- to send forth with some force to launch a plane by catapult
- to cause (a newly built vessel) to slide from the land into the water; set afloat
- to set in operation; start, inaugurate, etc. to launch an attack, launch a new ad campaign
- 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
- to put to sea: often with out or forth
- to start on some new course or enterprise: often with out or forth
- 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
- Historical the largest boat carried by a warship
- 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.
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