Launch Definition

lônch, länch
launched, launches, launching
verb
launched, launches, launching
To hurl, discharge, or send off (a weapon, blow, etc.)
Webster's New World
To send forth with some force.
To launch a plane by catapult.
Webster's New World
To put to sea.
Webster's New World
To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion.
Launch a rocket; launch a torpedo.
American Heritage
To throw oneself (into) with vigor; rush; plunge.
To launch into a tirade.
Webster's New World
noun
launches
The act or process of launching.
Webster's New World
The largest boat carried by a warship.
Webster's New World
An open, or partly enclosed, motorboat.
Webster's New World

The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)

Wiktionary

(nautical) A boat used to convey guests to and from a yaucht.

Wiktionary
adjective
Designating or of vehicles, facilities, sites, etc. used in the launching of spacecraft or missiles.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Launch

Noun

Singular:
launch
Plural:
launches

Origin of Launch

  • From Old English launchen (“to throw as a lance"), Old French lanchier, another form (Old Northern French/Norman variant, compare Jèrriais lanchi) of lancier, French lancer, from lance.

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English launchen from Old North French lancher from Latin lanceāre to wield a lance from lancea lance lance

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Portuguese lancha (“barge, launch"), apparently from Malay lancar (“quick, agile"). Spelling influenced by the verb above.

    From Wiktionary

  • Probably alteration (probably influenced by launch) of Malay lancha

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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