verb Common

launched

lawncht

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Launched (verb) means past tense and past participle of launch: to have started or introduced something new to the public, such as a product, service, campaign or business. Example: “The company launched its first electric car in March.”

verb

Past tense and past participle of launch: to have started or introduced something new to the public, such as a product, service, campaign or business.

"The company launched its first electric car in March."

"They launched the charity with a single fundraising dinner."

"After years of planning, the bakery finally launched its new range of sourdough bread."

Sent a rocket, missile, boat or projectile off into the air or water.

"NASA launched the probe from Cape Canaveral at dawn."

"The lifeboat was launched within four minutes of the call."

"The sailors launched the small boat from the beach and rowed out to sea."

Threw yourself or moved suddenly and forcefully in a particular direction, or began something abruptly.

"He launched himself at the door."

"She launched into a ten-minute complaint before I could speak."

"The goalkeeper launched himself sideways and just managed to push the ball away."

How to use launched

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStarted something new, or sent something off with force.

When to use it

Neutral. The business sense dominates in modern usage; launch into is always followed by an activity such as a speech, story or rant.

Memory tip

Do not confuse launched with lunched. Launched rhymes with haunched; lunched is the past tense of lunch.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

launched → lunched released

Common pairings

officially launched launched a campaign newly launched launched into a speech launched an investigation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “launched” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The company _____ its first electric car in March.

Etymology

From Old French lanchier, lancier, from Late Latin lanceare, meaning to wield or hurl a lance.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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introduced released started unveiled rolled out fired propelled sent up floated

Antonyms

discontinued withdrawn shelved

Related words

began published continued introduced dropped revealed fired concluded

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between launched and released?

Released simply means made available, while launched implies a deliberate public start with some promotion behind it. A studio can quietly release a track, but a company launches a product with a date, an event and marketing.

Can a person be launched?

Yes, in two ways. A career or performer can be launched, meaning given a public start, and someone can launch themselves at or into something, meaning move or begin suddenly and forcefully.

What is the meaning of launched?

"launched" (verb) means past tense and past participle of launch: to have started or introduced something new to the public, such as a product, service, campaign or business.

What is another word for launched?

Other words for "launched" include introduced, released, started, unveiled, rolled out, fired.

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began published continued introduced dropped revealed fired concluded