launch
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for launch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use launch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French lancier, "to throw a lance," from lance.
Full origin of launch →Frequently asked questions
What does “launch” mean?
The word “launch” means to send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully. In plain terms, to start something moving or start something new — a product, a rocket, a ship, or a project.
How do you pronounce “launch”?
“Launch” is pronounced lawnch (/lɔːnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “launch” in a sentence?
Here is “launch” used in a sentence: “NASA launched the satellite into orbit early this morning.”
What part of speech is “launch”?
Depending on how it is used, “launch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “launch” come from?
The word “launch” comes from Old French. From Old French lancier, "to throw a lance," from lance.
Is “launch” a common word?
“Launch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “launch” have?
“Launch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully.
What are the different meanings of launch?
Launch has two everyday senses. The first, physical, means to send something into motion, often forcefully — launching a rocket, a ship, or a projectile. The second, figurative, means to start or introduce something new, such as launching a product, a business, a campaign, or a website. Both share the idea of a powerful send-off.
What is the difference between launch and release?
In the context of products, launch is the act or event of introducing something to the world, usually with promotion and fanfare. Release means making it available for people to buy or use. A launch is the announcement and push; the release is the moment it actually reaches customers. The two often coincide.
What does it mean to launch a ship?
To launch a ship is to set a newly built vessel into the water for the first time, sliding it from the yard where it was constructed. Traditionally the event is marked by a ceremony, sometimes breaking a bottle against the hull. It is the moment the ship first floats.
What is an example of launch in a sentence?
Literally: The agency launched the satellite into orbit. Figuratively: The company launched its new phone in the spring, or They launched a campaign to clean up the river. In each case something is set forcefully into motion, whether a physical object or a brand-new venture.