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launched - 2 dictionary results

launch

1  [lawnch, lahnch]
Use launched in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to set (a boat or ship) in the water.
2. to float (a newly constructed boat or ship) usually by allowing to slide down inclined ways into the water.
3. to send forth, catapult, or release, as a self-propelled vehicle or weapon: Rockets were launched midway in the battle. The submarine launched its torpedoes and dived rapidly.
4. to start (a person) on a course, career, etc.
5. to set going; initiate: to launch a scheme.
6. to throw; hurl: to launch a spear.
7. to start (a new venture) or promote (a new product): They launched a new breakfast cereal.
8. Computers. to start (a software program).
–verb (used without object)
9. to burst out or plunge boldly or directly into action, speech, etc.
10. to start out or forth; push out or put forth on the water.
–noun
11. the act of launching.
Origin:
1300–50; late ME launche < AF lancher < LL lanceāre to wield a lance; see lance 1

Related forms:
launch⋅a⋅ble, adjective

Synonyms:
5. inaugurate, institute.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To launched
launch 1   (lônch, länch)   
v.   launched, launch·ing, launch·es

v.   tr.
    1. To throw or propel with force; hurl: launch a spear.
    2. To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion: launch a rocket; launch a torpedo.
  2. Nautical To put (a boat) into the water in readiness for use.
  3. To set going; initiate: launch a career; launch a business venture.
  4. To introduce to the public or to a market: launched the new perfume with prime-time commercials on the major networks.
  5. To give (someone) a start, as in a career or vocation.
v.   intr.
  1. To begin a new venture or phase; embark: launch forth on a dangerous mission; launched out on her own after college.
  2. To enter enthusiastically into something; plunge: launched into a description of the movie.
n.  The act of launching.

[Middle English launchen, from Old North French lancher, from Latin lanceāre, to wield a lance, from lancea, lance; see lance.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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