Simple Definition of plunge
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: to fall or jump suddenly from a high place
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: to fall or drop suddenly in amount, value, etc.
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: to have a steep slope or drop downward
Full Definition of plunge
plunged
plunging
transitive verb
1 : to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something <plunged the dagger>
2 : to cause to enter a state or course of action usually suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently <plunged the nation into economic depression>
intransitive verb
1 : to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water
2 a : to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward; also : to move oneself in such a manner <plunged off the embankment> b : to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly <plunges into project after project> c : to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly
3 : to descend or dip suddenly <the stock's value plunged>
Examples of plunge in a sentence
Her car plunged off a bridge.
The stock market plunged yesterday.
The President's approval rating has plunged to 20 percent.
The moose population has plunged in recent years.
The rocky cliffs plunge into the swirling rapids below.
The road plunges down the mountain.
Origin and Etymology of plunge
Middle English, from Anglo-French plunger, from Vulgar Latin *plumbicare, from Latin plumbum lead
First Known Use: 14th century
plunge
Simple Definition of plunge
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: a sudden fall or jump usually from a high place
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: a sudden quick fall in amount, value, etc.
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: the act of suddenly beginning to be in a particular condition or situation
Examples of plunge in a sentence
Amazingly, the cat survived its plunge from the building's roof.
Market analysts predicted a price plunge.
The store experienced a sharp plunge in sales.
15th Century
First Known Use of plunge
15th century
PLUNGE Defined for Kids
Definition of plunge for Students
plunged
plunging
1 : to leap or dive suddenly <She plunged into the water.>
2 : to thrust or force quickly <The cat plunged its head blissfully into the bowl. — Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved>
3 : to suddenly enter or cause to enter a certain situation or state <Foolish investments plunged the family into debt.>
4 : to drop suddenly downward or forward and downward <Cliffs plunge to the valley.>
Learn More about plunge
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for plunge Spanish Central: Translation of plunge Nglish: Translation of plunge for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of plunge for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plunge
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