plunge

plunge [plunj]

vt.

plunged, plunging [ME plungen < OFr plongier < VL * plumbicare < L plumbum, LEAD²: see PLUMB]

to thrust, throw, or force suddenly (into a liquid, hole, condition, etc.) [to plunge an oar into the water, to plunge a country into debt]

vi.

1. to throw oneself, dive, or rush, as into water, a fight, etc.

2. to move violently and rapidly downward or forward

3. to pitch, as a ship

4. to slope steeply, as a road

5. to extend far down in a revealing way [a plunging neckline or back]

6. Informal to spend, gamble, or speculate heavily or rashly

n.

1.

a) a dive or downward leap

b) a swim

2. any sudden, violent plunging motion

3. a place for plunging, or swimming

4. Informal a heavy, rash investment or speculation

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take the plunge

to start on a new and seemingly uncertain enterprise, esp. after some hesitation