verb

plunge

to plunge, to dive, to fall sharply

She plunged into the cold water.

She plunged into the cold water.

The company's profits plunged last year.

The company's profits plunged last year.

He plunged the knife into the apple.

He plunged the knife into the apple.

((into sth.)) to jump or dive into something quickly and energetically He plunged into the swimming pool.

((sth.)) ((into sth.)) to push something forcefully into something else She plunged the needle into the fabric.

to fall or decrease suddenly and quickly Temperatures plunged overnight.

Synonyms: dive, plummet, drop, fall; Antonyms: rise, soar, climb

From Old French 'plongier' ('to dive'), possibly from a Vulgar Latin root related to 'plumbum' (lead), suggesting diving like a lead weight.

Think of using a toilet 'plunger'. You push it down forcefully, which is a 'plunging' motion.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.