launch

¹launch

verb \ˈlȯnch, ˈlänch\

Definition of LAUNCH

transitive verb

1

a : to throw forward : hurl b : to release, catapult, or send off (a self-propelled object) <launch a rocket>

2

a : to set (a boat or ship) afloat b : to give (a person) a start <launched her on a new career> c (1) : to put into operation or set in motion : initiate, introduce (2) : to get off to a good start d : to load into a computer's memory and run <launch a program>

intransitive verb

1

a : to spring forward : take off b : to enter energetically <launched into an impromptu speech — Timothy Tucker>

2

a archaic : to slide down the ways b : to make a start

Examples of LAUNCH

1. The enemy launched an attack at sunrise.
2. She's trying to launch a new career as a singer.
3. The police have launched an investigation into his activities.
4. He helped launch her in her career as a singer.
5. The company is expected to launch several new products next year.
6. You can launch the program by double-clicking on the icon.

Origin of LAUNCH

Middle English, from Anglo-French *lancher, lancer, from Late Latin lanceare to wield a lance — more at lance

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LAUNCH

Synonyms: begin, constitute, establish, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, found, pioneer, plant, set up, start

Antonyms: close (down), phase out, shut (up)

Related Words: author, father, originate; conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), create, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, produce, think (up); construct, put up; develop, enlarge, expand; endow, finance, fund, subsidize; arrange, organize, systematize, systemize; refound, reinitiate, reinstitute, relaunch

Near Antonyms: abolish, annihilate, annul, nullify; end, finish, halt, stop, terminate; round (off or out), wind up, wrap up

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Rhymes with LAUNCH

craunch, haunch, paunch, raunch, stanch, staunch