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| plunge [ plunj ] |
verb (past and past participle plunged, present participle plung·ing, 3rd person present singular plung·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb move suddenly downward: to move suddenly downward or forward, or move something in this way
  plunged into the undergrowth and disappeared
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2. transitive verb put somebody or something in difficulties: to put somebody or something suddenly into an unpleasant or undesirable situation
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3. transitive verb put something quickly into something: to put something quickly or firmly into something such as a liquid or container
Drain the beans and plunge them into cold water.
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4. intransitive verb become involved enthusiastically: to become involved in something with great enthusiasm
She plunged into student life.
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5. intransitive verb embark on reckless action: to begin a course of action suddenly and in a reckless or impetuous way
warned against plunging into hostilities without trying diplomacy first
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6. intransitive verb descend precipitously: to descend abruptly or steeply
The mountains plunged to the sea.
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7. intransitive verb drop suddenly in value: to drop suddenly and unexpectedly in value, price, or amount
Prices plunged.
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8. intransitive verb gamble recklessly: to gamble, speculate, or take risks in a reckless way
(
informal
)
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noun (plural plung·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. act of leaping into water: a dive or leap into water
a headlong plunge into the sea
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2. sudden drop in value: a sudden unexpected drop in value, price, or amount
a 38 percent plunge in PC sales
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3. U.S. place to swim: a place for swimming or diving, e.g. a swimming pool
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4. sudden rush: a sudden or violent rush
The dog made a plunge for the open door.
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5. reckless gamble: a reckless gamble or speculation
(
informal
)
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| [14th century. Via Old French plongier< assumed Vulgar Latin plumbicare "heave a sounding lead" < Latin plumbum "lead"] |
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take the plunge
1. to commit suddenly to doing something new, difficult, or irrevocable
2. to get married or decide to get married (informal humorous)
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