plummet
Translation
to plummet, to fall sharply, to nosedive
Examples
Stock prices plummeted after the news.
Stock prices plummeted after the news.
The bird plummeted towards the ground.
The bird plummeted towards the ground.
Grammar Patterns
((from sth.)) ((to sth.)) to fall very quickly and suddenly The temperature plummeted from 20°C to 5°C.
Similar Words
Synonyms: plunge, dive, nosedive; Antonyms: soar, rise, rocket
Etymology
From Old French 'plommet' meaning 'small lead ball', from 'plomb' (lead). It suggests falling fast like a lead weight.
Memory Tips
Imagine a heavy lead weight (a 'plumb bob') dropping straight down. The sound is similar to 'plummet'.