Definition of 'launch'

Learner American English

launch

(lɔntʃ )

Word forms: launches, launching, launched

1. transitive verb

To launch a rocket, missile, or satellite means to send it into the air or into space.

NASA plans to launch a satellite to study cosmic rays.

2. transitive verb

To launch a ship or a boat means to put it into water, often for the first time after it has been built.

There was no time to launch the lifeboats because the ferry capsized with such alarming speed.

3. transitive verb

To launch a large and important activity, for example, a military attack, means to start it.

A group of 80 attackers launched an all-out assault just before dawn.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

4. transitive verb

If a company launches a new product, it makes it available to the public.

...powerful allies to help the company launch a low-cost "network computer."

Phrasal verbs:

launch into

launch 1 in American English

(lɔntʃ ; lônch)

verb transitive

to hurl, discharge, or send off (a weapon, blow, etc.)

to send forth with some force

to launch a plane by catapult

to cause (a newly built vessel) to slide from the land into the water; set afloat

to set in operation; start, inaugurate, etc.

to launch an attack, launch a new ad campaign

to start (a person) on some course or career

verb intransitive

to put to sea

often with out or forth

to start on some new course or enterprise

often with out or forth

to throw oneself (into) with vigor; rush; plunge

to launch into a tirade

noun

the act or process of launching

adjective

10.

designating or of vehicles, facilities, sites, etc. used in the launching of spacecraft or missiles

Word origin of 'launch'

ME launchen < OFr lanchier < LL(Ec) lanceare, to wield a lance < L lancea, lance

launch 2 in American English

(lɔntʃ ; lônch)

noun

1. Obsolete

the largest boat carried by a warship

an open, or partly enclosed, motorboat

Word origin of 'launch'

Sp or Port lancha < ? Malay lancharan < lanchar, swift

launch 1

(lɔːntʃ )

verb

to move (a vessel) into the water

to move (a newly built vessel) into the water for the first time

3. (transitive)

to start off or set in motion

to launch a scheme

to put (a new product) on the market

4. (transitive)

to propel with force

to involve (oneself) totally and enthusiastically

to launch oneself into work

6. (transitive)

to set (a missile, spacecraft, etc) into motion

7. (transitive)

to catapult (an aircraft), as from the deck of an aircraft carrier

8. (intransitive ; foll by into)

to start talking or writing (about)

he launched into a story

9. (intransitive ; usually foll by out)

to start (out) on a fresh course

10. (intransitive ; usually foll by out) informal

to spend a lot of money

noun

11.

an act or instance of launching

Word origin of 'launch'

C14: from Anglo-French lancher, from Late Latin lanceāre to use a lance, hence, to set in motion. See lance

launch 2

(lɔːntʃ )

noun

a motor driven boat used chiefly as a transport boat

the largest of the boats of a man-of-war

Word origin of 'launch'

C17: via Spanish lancha and Portuguese from Malay lancharan boat, from lanchar speed

Example sentences containing 'launch'

We are going to launch an online campaign to expand the national helpline ourselves too. The Sun (2012)There have been quite a few social media networks launched by famous people? Times, Sunday Times (2013)These are hardly the figures to make a launch party fizz. Times, Sunday Times (2013)We heard the sound of two missiles being launched. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Motorpoint have also launched a huge list of green deals. The Sun (2011)Cops have launched an investigation but the woman had not yet been formally identified. The Sun (2013)Orange is regarded as one of the most successful brand launches of all time. Times, Sunday Times (2012)On the first few days of a new launch it may be difficult to get through. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Rescuers in an inflatable launched from the ship were convinced she must have drowned. The Sun (2011)The subsequent success of this promotion gave our new company a royal launching. Kiam, Victor Going For It!: How to Succeed As an Entrepreneur (1986)But her bid to launch a comeback is still far from rosy. The Sun (2007)Fishermen launch their boats and sell their fresh catch daily by the shores to eager onlookers. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Cyprus will now launch a campaign featuring stamps and posters of the new national symbols. Times, Sunday Times (2006)The identity of one of the most optimistic people after the launch also surprised me. Times, Sunday Times (2016)We have cruise missiles we can launch from ships and unmanned drones. The Sun (2014)Why did his motor launch driver dress in a dinner jacket on the night of the wedding party? Times, Sunday Times (2014)The book is highly practical and will be helpful for those planning churches that intend to launch large and grow rapidly. Christianity Today (2000)The firm has launched an investigation. The Sun (2009)You see the world in your own special way today and a picture you take could make money or launch a career. The Sun (2007)The unmanned aircraft can only launch airstrikes over Iraq. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Coalition aircraft have launched at least 36 strikes in the past week. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Or it can be done by motor launch, staying in luxury wilderness lodges en route. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The skincare brand has launched its first colour collection, all designed to give you that healthy glow. Times, Sunday Times (2013)In the past week many new accounts were launched by large providers, but most come with painful caveats. Times, Sunday Times (2008)