Plunge

/plʌnd͡ʒ/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To thrust into liquid, or into any penetrable substance; to immerse..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To thrust into liquid, or into any penetrable substance; to immerse.
2. (figuratively, transitive) To cast, stab or throw deep and fast into some thing, state, condition or action.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To baptize by immersion.
4. (intransitive) To dive, leap or rush (into water or some liquid); to submerge oneself.
5. (figuratively, intransitive) To fall or rush headlong into some thing, action, state or condition.
6. (intransitive) To pitch or throw oneself headlong or violently forward, as a horse does.
7. (intransitive, slang) To bet heavily and recklessly; to risk large sums in gambling.
8. (intransitive, obsolete) To entangle or embarrass (mostly used in past participle).

Example Sentences

to plunge the body into water

"Most of them don't wash. Those who do usually plunge their head into some brook or rill, if there happens to be one about."

to plunge a dagger into the breast

to plunge a nation into war

the city was plunged into darkness

Jon isn’t lying when he tells her she will always be his queen, right before plunging a knife into her. He genuinely swore obedience, and sees himself as a traitor when he commits the deeds.

he plunged into the river

to plunge into debt

Synonyms for plunge

Antonyms for plunge

Related Words

Word Forms

• plunges
• plunging
• plunged

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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