verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

plunge

pluhnj

Plunge (verb) means to jump or dive suddenly into water or another substance. Example: “He plunged into the lake to cool off.”

verb

To jump or dive suddenly into water or another substance.

"He plunged into the lake to cool off."

To fall or drop suddenly and steeply.

"Temperatures plunged below freezing overnight."

To suddenly enter into a difficult or extreme situation.

"The country plunged into recession within months."

noun

A sudden dive, jump, or drop.

"She took the plunge and quit her job to travel."

How to use plunge

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo dive or drop suddenly, or (as a noun) a sudden dive, drop, or bold decision.

Common pairings

take the plunge plunge into darkness prices plunge

Word forms

plunged past tense, plunged past tense, plunges plural, plunges singular, plunges singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ into the lake to cool off.

Etymology

From Old French "plongier", ultimately from Latin "plumbum" (lead) — related to the idea of dropping a lead-weighted line.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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launch dive steep dump dip absorb dunk douse engulf immerse plunk souse

Related words

can end start learn fall beginning starting begin

Rhymes for plunge

lunge lounge grunge scrounge

See all rhymes for plunge →

Frequently asked questions

What does “plunge” mean?

The word “plunge” means to jump or dive suddenly into water or another substance. In plain terms, to dive or drop suddenly, or (as a noun) a sudden dive, drop, or bold decision.

How do you pronounce “plunge”?

“Plunge” is pronounced pluhnj (/plʌnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “plunge” in a sentence?

Here is “plunge” used in a sentence: “He plunged into the lake to cool off.”

What part of speech is “plunge”?

Depending on how it is used, “plunge” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “plunge” come from?

The word “plunge” comes from Latin. From Old French "plongier", ultimately from Latin "plumbum" (lead) — related to the idea of dropping a lead-weighted line.

Is “plunge” a common word?

“Plunge” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “plunge” have?

“Plunge” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to jump or dive suddenly into water or another substance.

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