launchn.¹

Brit.

/lɔːn(t)ʃ/, U.S.

/lɔn(t)ʃ/,

/lɑn(t)ʃ/

Etymology: < launch v. N.E.D. (1902) gives the pronunciation as (lǭnʃ, lānʃ) /lɔːnʃ/, formerly /lɑːnʃ/.

†1. The action or an act of lancing; a prick. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > [noun] > wound > wound by sharp weapon

stabc1440

foin1543

launch1558

veny1578

stog1587

venue1591

prickado?1592

pink1601

stabado1607

sword-cut1817

stab-wound1897

1558 Traheron in S. R. Maitland Ess. Reform. (1849) 80 If I shal perceaue that it shalbe to your welth, I wil not sticke to giue you a launch or two.

1596 E. Spenser Hymne Heauenly Loue in Fowre Hymnes 162 What hart can feele least touch of so sore launch?

2. The action or an act of launching, shooting forth, or springing. Obsolete exc. dialect.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > [noun] > a leap, spring, or jump

leapOE

startc1330

saulta1350

lope14..

launchc1440

sprenting?a1475

loup1487

springa1500

stenda1500

benda1522

sprenta1522

bounce1523

jump1552

sally1589

rise1600

bound1667

vault1728

sprinta1800

spang1817

spend1825

upleap1876

sprit1880

bunny hop1950

bunny-hop1969

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 290/2 Lawnche, or skyppe, saltus.

a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Launch, a long stride.

1897 W. C. Russell Last Entry 241 The schooner..swept in long floating launches down upon the boat.

†3. concrete. Shoots of a plant. Also figurative. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > part of plant > shoot, sprout, or branch > [noun] > shoots

launchc1430

shooting1608

sproutage1860

c1430 Hymns Virg. 3 Veni de libano, þou loueli in launche.

?c1450 Pistel of Swete Susan (Pierpont Morgan) 109 Þe lyly, þe louage, þe launches so lefe.

Thesaurus »

Categories »

a. The action or process of launching a vessel. Also figurative and transferred, and with out.

b. The starting off of a bird in flight.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > birds > flight > [noun] > rising from ground

sourcec1384

at souse1486

mount1486

launch1835–6

dread1965

1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure I. 8 I soon came to a resolution of making this launch into the wide world, by repairing to London.

1814 W. Scott Let. 17 June (1932) III. 450 The first time I happened to see a launch.

1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. I. 298/1 The first launch of the bird into the air is produced by an ordinary leap from the ground.

1857 Trans. Michigan Agric. Soc. 8 193 I have seen the commencement of railways, and witnessed the ‘launch’ of the first locomotive.

1879 J. Martineau Ess., Rev., & Addr. (1891) IV. 271 Its daring launch-out on the ocean of real being.

1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 223/2 Bearing surfaces should be well greased..before the launch takes place.

c. The launching of a missile, spacecraft, glider, or the like. (See also Compounds 1 below.)

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > air or space travel > gliding and hang-gliding > [noun] > launch of glider

launch1935

society > travel > air or space travel > space flight > [noun] > a space shot or flight > launching of spacecraft

blast-off1951

launch1963

1935 C. H. Latimer-Needham Gliding & Soaring x. 170 The wind velocity should be ascertained and allowed for in any method of mechanical launching or too vigorous a launch may be given unwittingly.

1952 F. Geen A.B.C. of Gliding 95 The easiest launch is a full-height nose launch.

1963 Ann. Reg. 1962 397 The closely matched orbits of the two astronauts also required precise timing of their launches.

1966 Economist 18 June 1307/1 The first of three such launches which are to put a chain of 24 defence communications satellites in synchronous orbit round the earth.

1969 Observer 20 July 9/8 The astronauts..sleep or doze for nearly five hours before preparing for the launch.

5. concrete in Shipbuilding. (See quot. 1850.)

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > [noun] > slip on which ships built or repaired

launch1711

slip1769

shipway1840

building-slip1846

slippery path1846

1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 23 Erecting a Ship on the Launch, and launching her from thence.

1712 London Gaz. No. 5019/5 Wherein are two large Launches and a large dry Dock.

1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 128 Launch, the slip or descent whereon the ship is built, including the whole of the machinery used in launching.

6. dialect. A trap for taking eels.

ΚΠ

1847 in J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words

Compounds

C1. General attributive. (In sense 4c.)

launch crew n.

ΚΠ

1962 J. Glenn in J. Glenn et al. Into Orbit 6 The most junior member of the launch crew.

launch date n.

ΚΠ

1969 Daily Mail 15 Jan. 5/3 Then suddenly it was now—launch date just around the corner.

launch site n.

ΚΠ

1969 Listener 20 Feb. 233/2 When you fly over the Soviet Union, can you see their launch sites?

launch vehicle n.

ΚΠ

1965 New Scientist 18 Mar. 701/1 The Gemini spacecraft, launch vehicle and target vehicle are all derived from hardware and technology already in existence.

1966 Sci. Amer. Jan. 54 Because of various failures in the launch-vehicle guidance system..a lunar landing was not accomplished.

C2.

launch-block n. ( Cent. Dict.) = launching-ways n., launching-planks n. at launching n. Compounds 2.

ΚΠ

1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 54 A Launch Block and Cradles.

launch pad n. = launching pad n. at launching n. Compounds 2.

ΚΠ

1960 News Chron. 29 Sept. 9/6 The 100-foot rocket sat immobile on its launch-pad.

1968 Times 23 Dec. 6/3 Captain Lovell and Major Anders..climbed into a van which took them to the launch pad.

1969 Times 3 June Suppl. p. iii/1 The world's largest tracked vehicle, ‘the crawler’,..carried..Saturn 5..from its lofty assembly building to launchpad 39A.

launch-ways n. ( Cent. Dict.) = launching-ways n., launching-planks n. at launching n. Compounds 2.

launch window n. a period outside which the planned launch of a spacecraft cannot take place if the journey is to be completed, owing to the changing positions of the planets.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > air or space travel > space flight > [noun] > a space shot or flight > launching of spacecraft > period suitable for

window1962

launch window1965

1965 Newsweek 29 Nov. 40/3 It is thought they may even try a third shot before the launch window closes in December.

1966 Sci. News 3 Sept. 165 The 20-day period centered around the launch date allowing travel between planets on an orbit requiring the least amount of energy. This is the so-called ‘launch window’ used to hurl space vehicles from earth to the moon.

1968 Radio Times 19 Dec. 41/4 As to timing, they must choose a launch window several days long when the Moon is in the right position relative to the Earth, when the sun is in the right position relative to the lunar landing sites, and when Apollo 8 can return to a suitable landing on Earth.

Draft additions 1997

The placing of a new product on the market; the publicity event at which this takes place.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > selling > [noun] > offering for sale > sales or product launch

innovation1939

product launch1963

launch1969

rollout1969

society > leisure > social event > large or public event > [noun] > others

waiting Sunday1767

job fair1966

launch1969

1969 J. Argenti Managem. Techniques v. 25 Anxiety that the launch date [of a product] will be missed.

1969 Punch 15 Jan. 96/2 The Ford Capri, a sort of shrunken Mustang, is being built in Britain and Germany and will be launched later this month. But, of course, ‘the launch’, as the trade calls it, is not as simple as that.

1971 Sunday Express (Johannesburg) 28 Mar. 5/1 Mr. Uys..vetoed the display of the same model's nipple when the launch advertisement was submitted.

1983 Willis & Lee Captain's Diary x. 168 The afternoon was hectic—a book launch for Glenn Turner,..and then a store appearance.

1986 Linlithgowshire Jrnl. & Gaz. 17 July 13/3 Since its launch in 1980 ‘The Face’ magazine has reached a worldwide readership.

1991 R.A.F. News 1 Nov. 7/1 Some of them were at the launch, at the Imperial War Museum.

Draft additions 1997

launch pad n. also figurative.

ΚΠ

1980 Encounter May 75/1 Even more dubious than the writer's obvious failure to ascertain simple facts is his tendency to use his impressions as a launch-pad for daring sociological speculation.

1989 Franchise Mag. Spring 80/2 The company sees the deal with Mansfield as a launchpad for its plans to penetrate the European market.

1995 Nursing Times 22 Mar. 98/2 (advt.) The D grade staff nurse posts are excellent launch pads for career minded nurses.

Draft additions December 2015

launch way n. a sloping path or structure down which a boat or ship is launched into a body of water.

ΚΠ

1811 Asiatic Ann. Reg. 1808 10 64/1 On Thursday evening, they were overtaken by a sudden gust of wind, which upset their launchway, and dashed them into the river.

1902 Financial Times 3 May 5/2 Harland and Wolff are at present lengthening by 40ft their longest launch-way.

2007 S. Harvey It started with Steamboat x. 219 The sound of the cheering crowd and blast of steamboat whistles was quickly cut short as the Mary Bell came to a halt only halfway down her launch way.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

launchv.

Brit.

/lɔːn(t)ʃ/, U.S.

/lɔn(t)ʃ/,

/lɑn(t)ʃ/

Forms: Middle English launche, (Middle English launchyn, lawnchyn, launsche, lonch), Middle English–1500s lawnche, Middle English–1800s lanch(e, (1500s lange, launge), 1500s– launch.

Etymology: < Old Northern French lancher = Central Old French lancier : see lance v. N.E.D. (1902) gives the pronunciation as (lǭnʃ, lānʃ) /lɔːnʃ/, formerly /lɑːnʃ/.

†1.

a. transitive. To pierce, transfix, wound; cut, slit; to make (a wound) by piercing. Also with up. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > injure [verb (transitive)] > wound > pierce

asnesec880

prickOE

stickOE

through-stitchc1230

threstc1275

rivec1330

dartc1374

gridea1400

tanga1400

prochea1425

launch1460

accloy1543

gag1570

pole1728

spigota1798

assegai1834

the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > making holes or becoming holed > make (an opening or hole) [verb (transitive)] > make an opening or hole in or into > bore, pierce, or perforate > with something sharp-pointed

shearOE

sting993

stickOE

spita1225

wound?c1225

stitchc1230

pitcha1275

threstc1275

forprick1297

steekc1300

piercec1325

rivec1330

dag?a1400

jag?a1400

lancec1400

pickc1400

tamec1400

forpierce1413

punch1440

launch1460

thringc1485

empiercec1487

to-pierce1488

joba1500

ding1529

stob?1530

probe1542

enthrill1563

inthirlc1580

cloy1590

burt1597

pink1597

lancinate1603

perterebrate1623

puncture1675

spike1687

skiver1832

bepierce1840

gimlet1841

prong1848

javelin1859

1460 Libeaus Desc. 293 (Kaluza) Wiþ his sper he will launche All þat aȝens him rit.

1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope v. x Two rammes within a medowe whiche with theyr hornes launched eche other.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 6811 Toax..with a tore speire..hym launchit to dethe.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. ii. sig. Dd4 Whose loue hath gryde My feeble brest of late, and launched this wound wyde.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ii. sig. Aa3 A sharpe borespeare, With which he wont to launch the saluage hart Of many a Lyon.

?1610 J. Fletcher Faithfull Shepheardesse iv. sig. G4 Hee, Directed by his fury Bloodelye, Lanch't vpp her brest.

1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 12 In the beginning of August lanch they the rine, from whence the masticke distilleth.

1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. i. i. 2 Nine Bulls were launch'd by his victorious arm.

†b. To cut with a lancet, to lance; to let out (infection) by lancing. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > incision > make an incision in or cut [verb (transitive)] > lance

launch1426

lance1474

1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 18357 For pouerte Is bothe medicyne and leche To launche the bocche off Properte.

1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares 82 a So wil they giue them more..to feede their sores then to launch them.

1598 Queen Elizabeth I tr. Plutarch De Curiositate in Queen Elizabeth's Englishings (1899) xiv. 23 As wound that bloudies hit self while hit is Launged.

1604 M. Drayton Owle sig. C3 To lanch th' infection of a poysoned state.

1617 J. Woodall Surgions Mate 15 If you bewary you neede not launch or cut the gumme at all.

1641 T. Edwards Reasons against Independant Govt. Congregations 10 The foote..is dressed, lanched and ordered, not by it selfe, but by the hands and eyes.

figurative.1624 F. Quarles Sions Elegies ii. sig. D2^v Thy Prophets..Rubb'd, where they should haue launcht.1631 T. Fuller Hearty Repentance xvii, in Davids Sinne sig. C3 Nathan, than whom, was none more skil'd to lanch A festreed soule.

a. To hurl, shoot, discharge, send off (a missile) (cf. lance v. 1); spec. to send off (a rocket, spacecraft, or the like, or an astronaut) on its (or his) course: (cf. 4b, from which this use may equally derive). †Also, to heave (the lead).

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > discharge (missile)

sendc825

to let flyOE

slenga1300

castc1325

lancec1330

throwa1382

launch?a1400

whirlc1440

fling1487

dischargec1500

to let goc1500

streek1513

deliver1574

level1592

fire1887

society > travel > air or space travel > space flight > [verb (transitive)] > send off (rocket or spacecraft) on its course

launch1873

?a1400 Morte Arth. 750 Schipe-mene..Launchez lede apone lufe.

1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xliii. 164 Launchynge and castyng to hym speres and dartes.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 245 And lanch'd against their Navy Phrygian Fire.

1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. ix. 46 All the thunders of Heaven seemed launched at this defenceless head!

1808 W. Scott Marmion i. Introd. 7 Nor mourn ye less his perished worth, Who..launched that thunderbolt of war On Egypt.

1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville I. 268 Much as they thirsted for his blood, they forebore to launch a shaft.

1873 L. Mercier & E. C. King tr. J. Verne From Earth to Moon 145 The gun destined to launch the projectile had to be fixed in a country situated between the 0 and 28th degrees of north or south latitude.

1873 L. Mercier & E. C. King tr. J. Verne From Earth to Moon 145 Launched on the 1st of December,..it ought to reach the moon four days after its departure.

1922 Encycl. Brit. XXX. 50/1 A forecastle deck large enough to enable a seaplane to be launched therefrom on a light subsidiary carriage.

1952 Oxf. Junior Encycl. X. 17/2 The German guided missiles..launched against London from the French coast were driven by their own power and were automatically controlled.

1957 Britannica Bk. of Year 443 The first artificial earth satellite..was launched from a site in the U.S.S.R...on Oct. 4, 1957.

1960 J. N. Bell Seven into Space i. 15 He knows an excitement so intense that it seems he can no longer contain it. The first American has been launched into space.

1972 A. C. Kermode Mech. of Flight (ed. 8) xii. 390 As with the X15 these [sc. lifting bodies] are launched from a mother craft.

1974 Daily Tel. 14 Feb. 1/3 Two more spaceships, Mars-6, and Mars-7, which were launched last August, were due to approach the planet next month.

absolute.c1500 Melusine (1895) xxi. 137 Thanne bygan the Cypryens..to shote & to launche on the paynemes.

b. with immaterial object, e.g. a blow, censure, threat, sentence.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (transitive)] > project through space > specifically an immaterial thing

shoot1612

launch1748

fire1859

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack with hostile words or measures > direct (hostile action or words) upon

deliver1433

bend1577

launch1865

welly1966

1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. cxxiii. 390 The best in the world to launch a gum.

1865 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Rationalism (1878) I. 251 Week after week he launched from the pulpit the most scathing invectives.

1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) III. xii. 89 The assembled Fathers at once went on to launch the censures of the church against offenders of every degree.

1875 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. II. xvi. 345 A threat launched especially at the Despensers.

1886 G. T. Stokes Ireland & Celtic Church (1888) 171 Jerome, therefore, launched a treatise against him.

†c. To throw (a person); reflexive to hurl oneself, dart, rush. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (transitive)]

warpc888

torvec1000

castc1230

slingc1290

forthcasta1300

throwc1300

lancec1330

pitchc1380

slentc1380

glenta1400

launcha1400

routc1400

waltc1400

flingc1420

jeta1450

vire1487

ajet1490

hurl1563

toss1570

kest1590

picka1600

peck1611

jaculate1623

conject1625

elance1718

squail1876

tipple1887

bish1940

biff1941

slap1957

welly1986

a1400 Seuyn Sages (W.) 1904 The louerd..in a bed he dede hire launche.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. xxxix. 315 Then do they launch themselves foorth.

d. To dart forward (a weapon, a limb, etc.). Now only, to dart out (something long and flexible).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move or cause to move forward or advance [verb (transitive)] > dart forward

launchc1405

the world > animals > animal body > general parts > head and neck > [verb (transitive)] > dart out (of tongue)

launch1847–9

c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Summoner's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 437 Down his hand he launcheth to the clifte.

1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 461 Hyr syxthe hand she gan to launche Lowe doun vn-to hyr haunche.

1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iii. ii The booll..smote strongly whith his feet after the man and launched his hornes at hym.

1847–9 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. IV. i. 293/1 The whole tongue is then launched out with a rapidity that is perfectly amazing.

a. intransitive for reflexive. To be set into sudden or rapid motion; to rush, plunge, start or shoot forth; †to leap, vault; transferred to ‘skip’ in reading. Obsolete exc. dialect.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > leap, spring, or jump [verb (intransitive)]

leapc900

startOE

reseOE

springa1275

throwc1275

upleapc1275

launch13..

aspringc1315

sault1377

lance?a1400

sprenta1400

loupc1480

lope1483

spang1513

bendc1530

jump1530

spend1533

stend1567

vaulta1568

pract1568

exult1570

bound1593

saltate1623

subsalt1623

jet1635

spoutc1650

volt1753

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > plunge > plunge in or under water or mud

launch13..

sousec1400

douse1603

plounce1654

delve1697

immerge1706

immerse1739

inswamp1775

plout1814

blob1875

society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > skim or browse or skip

skip1526

launch1570

to run over1577

rufflea1631

leaf1663

to run through1670

to dip into1682

skim1739

thumb-read1825

browse1903

thumb1930

riffle1938

riff1942

skim-read1954

skip-read1977

13.. K. Alis. 3746 He gan in the water launche: Up he cam in that othir side.

?a1400 Morte Arth. 194 Of ilke a leche the lowe launschide fulle hye.

?a1400 Morte Arth. 2560 Who lukes to the lefte syde, whene his horse launches.

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 290/2 Lawnchyn, or skyppyn ouer a dyke,..perconto.

1480 W. Caxton tr. Ovid Metamorphoses xi. xix The mortal floodes launchid in by the places opend.

?a1500 Chester Pl. vii. 469 Lanch on! I will not be the last upon Mary for to marveyle.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 12307 Þai demet þe duke..to..launche out of towne.

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Launche to shore, appellere ripam.

1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Biii^v/2 To Lanch ouer a boke, percurrere.

1787 T. Best Conc. Treat. Angling (ed. 2) 45 He [a fish] will launch and plunge in such a manner, that..he will tear away his hold.

1814 W. Irving in Life & Lett. (1864) I. 317 The poor animal..gazed at me..and then launching away to the left, I presently heard it plunge into the river.

a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Launch, to take long strides.

†b. transferred. To shoot, sprout. Also, to project.

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > sprout forth or spring up

growc725

springOE

upspringc1000

sprouta1200

springa1225

risea1382

burgeon1382

burgea1387

to run upa1393

lance1393

bursta1400

launch1401

reke?1440

alighta1450

shoot1483

to come up?1523

start1587

to grow up1611

to come away1669

to break forth1675

upshoot1841

outgrow1861

sprinta1878

break1882

sprount1890

1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 90 Thei ben bastard braunches that launchen from oure bileve.

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 49 The Cape lanches into the Sea with Three Points.

c. figurative. (Now usually with out.) To enter boldly or freely into a course of action; to rush into expense; to burst out into unrestrained speech. †to launch it out: to flaunt, make a display.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display or show off [verb (intransitive)]

brandishc1340

ruffle1484

braga1556

swash1556

flourish1563

flaunt1566

prank1567

prink1573

to shake, wag the feather1581

peacockize1598

air1605

display1608

to launch it out1608

flasha1616

to cut it out1619

flare1633

vapour1652

peacock1654

spark1676

to gallantrize it1693

bosh1709

glare1712

to cut a bosh1726

to show away1728

to figure away, off1749

parade1749

to cut a dashc1771

dash1786

to cut up1787

to cut a flash1795

to make, or cut, a splash1804

swank1809

to come out strong1825

to cut a spludge1831

to cut it (too) fat1836

pavonize1838

splurge1844

to do the grand1847

to cut a swath1848

to cut a splurge1860

to fan out1860

spread1860

skyre1871

fluster1876

to strut one's stuff1926

showboat1937

floss1938

style1968

the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > make a beginning in some enterprise > boldly or freely

launch1608

to sail in1856

the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > boldly or freely

launch1711

1608 T. Middleton Familie of Love (new ed.) v. sig. I3 If master Gerardine..would yet be induced to take your Neece..would you launch with a thousand pound, besides her fathers portion?

1624 W. Bedell Copies Certaine Lett. vii. 115 Thus Pamelius; and presently lanches forth into the Priuiledges of the See of Rome.

a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Spanish Curat ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. E3/2 When you love, lanch it out in silks and velvets.

1686 R. Boyle Free Enq. Notion Nature vi. 196 I want time to launch into an ample discourse.

1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 49. ⁋4 He enjoys a great Fortune handsomly, without lanching into Expence.

1713 A. Pope in Guardian 16 Mar. 2/2 There is no Subject I could launch into with more Pleasure than your Panegyrick.

1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. vii. 88 He has perhaps launch'd out in trade beyond his reach.

1732 J. Arbuthnot Pract. Rules of Diet iv. 430 I have lanch'd out of my Subject in this Article.

1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 96 One launching out upon my Complexion, another upon my Eyes.

c1820 S. Rogers Descent in Italy 38 For awhile he held his peace..But soon, the danger passed, launched forth again.

1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity I. iii. vii. 463 The triumphant Pontiff..launches out into a panegyric on the mercy and benignity of the usurper.

1864 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia IV. xvi. xv. 492 I began to launch out on Friedrich's actions; but he interrupted me rapidly.

1887 A. Jessopp Arcady i. 9 The small man..is..slow to launch out into expense when things are going well.

1888 J. W. Burgon Lives Twelve Good Men I. iii. 358 You could not vex him more than by launching out against some common acquaintance.

1888 J. Ruskin Præterita III. i. 11 She launched involuntarily into an eager and beautiful little sermon.

a. transitive. To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land, or the stocks, into the water; to set afloat; to lower (a boat) into the water.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > launching a vessel > launch or set afloat [verb (transitive)]

launch?a1400

puta1450

shoot1487

lance?1518

to set on the sea, water, afloat1559

to set afloat1785

float1885

?a1400 Morte Arth. 3921 He..Gers lawnche his botes appone a lawe watire.

1449 R. Wenyngton in Paston Lett. & Papers (2005) III. 69 They lonchyd a bote.

1511 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1885) III. 332 To lawnche the boote in to the water.

1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccccxiii. 722 There came two other barkes..and anone they were langed into the ryuer.

1555 Act 2 & 3 Ph. & Mary c. 16 §7 Before the said Boate..bee lanched out of the Yarde or Grounde.

a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. E4^v Was this the face that launcht a thousand shippes?

1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Gothick Warre iii. 92 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian He lancht into the Tiber also 200. Pinnaces.

1712 A. Pope tr. Ovid Sapho to Phaon in tr. Ovid Epist. (ed. 8) 20 O launch thy Bark, nor fear the watry Plain.

1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. III. 288 From these sheds they are launched into the deep canals.

1821 J. Baillie Columbus in Metrical Legends lviii. 2 Ere from his home He launch his vent'rous bark.

1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. iii. 45 Our boats must be sledged over some 60..miles of terrible ice before launching and loading them.

b. In wider sense: To send off, start upon a course, send adrift; spec. to release (a balloon or its contents) into the air at the beginning of a flight. (Cf. 2.)

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > air or space travel > ballooning > carry in or as in balloon [verb (transitive)] > launch balloon

launch1824

1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. xiii. 62 Out goes the boat, they are lanched from the ship side.

a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 217 When Pudding-Wives were launcht in cock quean Stools.

1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. viii. 455 Haste, launch thy Chariot, thro' yon Ranks to ride.

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. i. 8 Fling open the door, and lanch the floating bridge.

1824 Encycl. Brit. Suppl. I. 83/1 It was soon found, that a balloon, launched into the atmosphere, is abandoned, without guidance or command, to the mercy of the winds.

1855 D. Brewster Mem. Life I. Newton (new ed.) I. xiii. 359 The planets, like the comets, might have been launched in different directions.

1959 Chambers's Encycl. I. 103/2 On 19 Sept. 1783..they launched a sheep, a cock and a duck into the air, enclosed in a basket suspended beneath the balloon.

c. figurative. To start (a person) in, into, or on a business, career, etc.; to set on foot (a project); to commence (an action). Also with out. to launch into eternity: rhetorically for ‘to put to death’.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > cause (a person) to begin to do something

launch1602

start1757

to set on1823

to start off1844

to set off1863

the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]

forsweltc888

sweltc888

adeadeOE

deadc950

wendeOE

i-wite971

starveOE

witea1000

forfereOE

forthfareOE

forworthc1000

to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE

queleOE

fallOE

to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE

to shed (one's own) blood?a1100

diec1135

endc1175

farec1175

to give up the ghostc1175

letc1200

aswelta1250

leavea1250

to-sweltc1275

to-worthc1275

to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290

finea1300

spilla1300

part?1316

to leese one's life-daysa1325

to nim the way of deathc1325

to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330

flit1340

trance1340

determinec1374

disperisha1382

to go the way of all the eartha1382

to be gathered to one's fathers1382

miscarryc1387

shut1390

goa1393

to die upa1400

expirea1400

fleea1400

to pass awaya1400

to seek out of lifea1400–50

to sye hethena1400

tinea1400

trespass14..

espirec1430

to end one's days?a1439

decease1439

to go away?a1450

ungoc1450

unlivec1450

to change one's lifea1470

vade1495

depart1501

to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513

to decease this world1515

to go over?1520

jet1530

vade1530

to go westa1532

to pick over the perch1532

galpa1535

to die the death1535

to depart to God1548

to go home1561

mort1568

inlaikc1575

shuffle1576

finish1578

to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587

relent1587

unbreathe1589

transpass1592

to lose one's breath1596

to make a die (of it)1611

to go offa1616

fail1623

to go out1635

to peak over the percha1641

exita1652

drop1654

to knock offa1657

to kick upa1658

to pay nature her due1657

ghost1666

to march off1693

to die off1697

pike1697

to drop off1699

tip (over) the perch1699

to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703

sink1718

vent1718

to launch into eternity1719

to join the majority1721

demise1727

to pack off1735

to slip one's cable1751

turf1763

to move off1764

to pop off the hooks1764

to hop off1797

to pass on1805

to go to glory1814

sough1816

to hand in one's accounts1817

to slip one's breatha1819

croak1819

to slip one's wind1819

stiffen1820

weed1824

buy1825

to drop short1826

to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839

to get one's (also the) call1839

to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840

to unreeve one's lifeline1840

to step out1844

to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845

to hand in one's checks1845

to go off the handle1848

to go under1848

succumb1849

to turn one's toes up1851

to peg out1852

walk1858

snuff1864

to go or be up the flume1865

to pass outc1867

to cash in one's chips1870

to go (also pass over) to the majority1883

to cash in1884

to cop it1884

snuff1885

to belly up1886

perch1886

to kick the bucket1889

off1890

to knock over1892

to pass over1897

to stop one1901

to pass in1904

to hand in one's marble1911

the silver cord is loosed1911

pip1913

to cross over1915

conk1917

to check out1921

to kick off1921

to pack up1925

to step off1926

to take the ferry1928

peg1931

to meet one's Maker1933

to kiss off1935

to crease it1959

zonk1968

cark1977

to cark it1979

to take a dirt nap1981

1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iv. sig. G^v Was neuer Prince..With louder shouts of tryumph launched out Into the surgy maine of gouernment.

1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 217 Being lanched again into the gulf of misery.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 108. ¶7 We find several Citizens that were lanched into the World with narrow Fortunes.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 298 I am now launch'd quite beside my Design.

1802 Med. Jrnl. viii. 275 The mention of this term serves to launch the author into a digression.

1812 Examiner 30 Nov. 768/1 The platform, from whence he was to be launched into eternity.

1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville I. 43 The worthy captain,..fairly launched on the broad prairies, with his face to the boundless west.

1840 W. Irving Ralph Ringwood in Knickerbocker Mag. Sept. 263 It was agreed that..as soon as I should be fairly launched in business, we would be married.

1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola I. vi. 104 The pretty youngster..was well launched in Bardo's favourable regard.

1872 J. Yeats Growth Commerce 275 The Mississippi scheme launched by John Law.

1884 H. B. Buckley in Law Times Rep. 22 Mar. 115/1 The plaintiff himself has launched this action in the Chancery Division.

d. To publish (a book); to put (a product, etc.) on the market.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (transitive)] > expose or offer for sale > establish or promote (a product)

launch1870

to put out1883

market1922

package1946

1870 ‘M. Twain’ Lett. to Publishers (1967) 45 We'll have someone standing ready to launch a book right on our big tidal wave and swim it into a success.

1919 J. Quinn Let. 3 Oct. in T. S. Eliot Waste Land Drafts (1971) p. xvii My part in connection with launching your book is finished.

1926 H. Crane Let. 5 Dec. (1965) 278 Once this first book is really launched and off my mind.

1966 Listener 17 Nov. 716/3 The complicated process of launching a new American car.

1969 J. Argenti Managem. Techniques v. 25 To launch a product is a complex project.

5. intransitive. Of the ship: To be launched, to pass into the water.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > launching a vessel > be launched [verb (intransitive)]

to take the water1578

launch1665

1665 Oxf. Gaz. No. 5/4 The Resolution now in the Dock, Launches on Tuesday 28.

1677 W. Hughes Man of Sin iii. iii. 67 A fourth,..with some Prayers and three signings of the Cross made a Ship lanch with few men.

1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine at Building Cradles, placed under the bottom, to conduct the ship..into the water whilst lanching.

1906 Westm. Gaz. 26 Nov. 6/2 The payment was refused on the ground that the Deal lifeboat launched to the same wreck.

6. To push forth, out from land, put to sea, advance seawards; literal and figurative. to launch into eternity: rhetorically for ‘to die’.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > [verb (intransitive)] > set out on a voyage

to go to seac900

to take the seac1275

to go or fere to (the) saila1375

sail1387

to make saila1500

to set sail1513

lance1526

launch1534

to put off1582

to put out?1587

to put forth1604

to come to sail1633

underweigh1891

to take sail1904

the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (reflexive)] > move impetuously

throwc1330

launch1534

hurlc1540

shoot1577

run1605

fling1700

1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) Luke v. 4 He sayde vnto Simon: Launche out in to the depe.

1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. i. f. 55^v He lanched from that lande, and directed his course to Vraba.

1600 M. Drayton Englands Heroicall Epist. (rev. ed.) f. 50 ^v The Thames..That daunc'd with my Barge in launching from the stayre.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies i. xviii. 60 I doe not finde in ancient bookes, that they have lanched farre into the Ocean.

a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) ii. 385 What need I lanch forth into this forrain deep?

1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe ii. 25 Lanching out into a Sea of strife.

1720 D. Manley Power of Love i. 123 He was afraid his Soul should launch into Eternity without a Guide to direct his Penitence.

1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. ii. 23 The time of my servitude [has] expir'd, and I am launch'd forth into the great ocean of business.

1766 D. Hume Let. 20 Nov. (1932) II. 111 I find I am launching out insensibly into an immense ocean of commonplace.

1769 E. Burke Observ. Late State Nation 73 We must have launched into a new sea, I fear a boundless sea, of expence.

1773 S. Johnson Let. 21 Sept. (1992) II. 77 We launched into one of the straits of the Atlantick Ocean.

1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece (new ed.) II. xii. 107 Before any Greek navigator ventured..to launch out beyond Sicily.

1875 H. W. Longfellow Pandora ii Forth I launch On the sustaining air.

7. transitive. Nautical.

†a. To set up, hoist (a yard). Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 41 Vnparrell the mizen yard and lanch it, and the saile ouer her Lee quarter.

b. To move (casks, heavy goods, etc.) by pushing.

ΚΠ

1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. Launch, a term used in several sea phrases, as launch out the capstan bars, that is, put them out; launch aft, or foreward on, that is, when things are stowed in the hold, to put them more aft, or foreward on.

c. ‘ Launch-ho! The order to let go the top-rope, after the top-mast has been swayed up and fidded’ (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk. 1867).

ΚΠ

1692 Smith's Sea-mans Gram. (new ed.) i. xvi. 79 When a Yard is hoisted high enough, they usually call aloud Launch-hôe, that is hoise no more.

1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 161 To Launch;..to leave off pulling, haling, or heaving.

1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Suppl. Lanch, the order to let go the top-rope, after any top-mast is fidded.

8. Public School slang. (See quots.)

ΚΠ

1865 G. F. Berkeley My Life & Recoll. I. 129 I had [at Sandhurst about 1815] to undergo the usual torments of being ‘launched’, that is, having my bed reversed while I was asleep [etc.].

1878 H. C. Adams Wykehamica 426 Launch, to drag a boy, bed-clothes, mattress, and all, off his bedstead on to the floor.

9. intransitive. To propel a boat with a pole, etc.; spec. in Wildfowl shooting (see quot. 1824).

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > propelling boat by oars, paddle, or pole > [verb (intransitive)] > pole or punt

punt1776

to set up1776

kent1820

launch1824

pole1831

1824 P. Hawker Instr. Young Sportsmen (ed. 3) 329 Off they set,..crawling on their knees, and shoving this punt before them on the mud. Thus travelling all night (by ‘launching’ over the mud, and rowing across the creeks).

1856 P. Thompson Hist. & Antiq. Boston, Lincoln 713 Launching—propelling a barge or small vessel in a river by means of a poy.

10. dialect. (See quot. 1847.)

ΚΠ

1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words I. (at cited word) To launch leeks is to plant them like celery in trenches. West.

Draft additions 1997

To throw (a person); reflexive, to hurl oneself; dart, rush. Also figurative.

ΚΠ

1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy V. xxix. 104 Gymnast..launched himself aloft into the air.

1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick cxxxiv. 617 The first uprising momentum of the whale..involuntarily launched him along it [sc. the boat], to a little distance from the centre of the destruction he had made.

1872 ‘M. Twain’ Roughing It li. 362 He then launched himself lovingly into his work.

1915 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Island xvi. 166 Rusty..launched himself at the Sarah-cat. The stately animal had stopped washing her face and was looking at him curiously.

a1961 P. Rooney in Webster II. 1278/1 Suddenly launched himself from between his guards..and vanished into the rocks and heather, still handcuffed.

1992 Boston Globe 31 July 68/4 She thundered down the runway, launched herself skyward and struck her first vault for a 9.975.

Draft additions 1997

figurative. Of a product, enterprise, etc.: to begin operation or trading; to be made publicly available.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (intransitive)] > offer, promote, or advertise sale

show1849

list1952

launch1968

the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > become active or come into operation > of a product or enterprise

launch1968

1968 Campaign 1 Nov. 1/5 Since Campaign launched on September 12, [etc.].

1984 Broadcast 7 Dec. 8/1 Called Beeb, it launches on 29 January with an initial print run of 400,000 and is clearly aimed to rival ITV's paper.

1987 Times 2 Apr. 19/3 When the new publishing house of Bloomsbury launches today, its fictional first-born will be Trust by Mary Flanagan.

1991 Campaign 16 Aug. 10/5 With..Black Briton launching shortly.

Draft additions 1997

Military. To mount (an assault or offensive); to open (an engagement, hostilities, etc.). Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > [verb (transitive)] > open (hostilities)

launch1916

society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)] > launch or make (an attack)

deliver1433

offer1530

launch1916

mount1952

1916 Times 18 May 6/3 In the Lagarina Valley..the enemy yesterday launched five violent attacks..on the slopes north of Zugna Torta.

1922 Encycl. Brit. XXXI. 601/1 A week later the Austrian offensive was launched.

1940 J. Colville Diary 13 Jan. in Fringes of Power (1985) 70 The Cabinet has received information that an attack may be launched by the Germans against Holland and Belgium.

1961 G. F. Kennan Russia & West xii. 168 He launched an offensive which carried Polish forces in a fortnight all the way to the Dnepr River.

1981 S. Chitty Gwen John vi. 87 She launched a campaign of which a general might have been proud.

1988 Financial Times 24 Mar. 46/5 A British advertising agency..has launched a bitter legal attack against six senior..executives.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	launch
释义	launchn.¹ Brit. /lɔːn(t)ʃ/, U.S. /lɔn(t)ʃ/, /lɑn(t)ʃ/ Etymology: < launch v. N.E.D. (1902) gives the pronunciation as (lǭnʃ, lānʃ) /lɔːnʃ/, formerly /lɑːnʃ/. †1. The action or an act of lancing; a prick. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > [noun] > wound > wound by sharp weapon stabc1440 foin1543 launch1558 veny1578 stog1587 venue1591 prickado?1592 pink1601 stabado1607 sword-cut1817 stab-wound1897 1558 Traheron in S. R. Maitland Ess. Reform. (1849) 80 If I shal perceaue that it shalbe to your welth, I wil not sticke to giue you a launch or two. 1596 E. Spenser Hymne Heauenly Loue in Fowre Hymnes 162 What hart can feele least touch of so sore launch? 2. The action or an act of launching, shooting forth, or springing. Obsolete exc. dialect. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > [noun] > a leap, spring, or jump leapOE startc1330 saulta1350 lope14.. launchc1440 sprenting?a1475 loup1487 springa1500 stenda1500 benda1522 sprenta1522 bounce1523 jump1552 sally1589 rise1600 bound1667 vault1728 sprinta1800 spang1817 spend1825 upleap1876 sprit1880 bunny hop1950 bunny-hop1969 c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 290/2 Lawnche, or skyppe, saltus. a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Launch, a long stride. 1897 W. C. Russell Last Entry 241 The schooner..swept in long floating launches down upon the boat. †3. concrete. Shoots of a plant. Also figurative. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > plants > part of plant > shoot, sprout, or branch > [noun] > shoots launchc1430 shooting1608 sproutage1860 c1430 Hymns Virg. 3 Veni de libano, þou loueli in launche. ?c1450 Pistel of Swete Susan (Pierpont Morgan) 109 Þe lyly, þe louage, þe launches so lefe. 4. Thesaurus » Categories » a. The action or process of launching a vessel. Also figurative and transferred, and with out. b. The starting off of a bird in flight. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > birds > flight > [noun] > rising from ground sourcec1384 at souse1486 mount1486 launch1835–6 dread1965 1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure I. 8 I soon came to a resolution of making this launch into the wide world, by repairing to London. 1814 W. Scott Let. 17 June (1932) III. 450 The first time I happened to see a launch. 1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. I. 298/1 The first launch of the bird into the air is produced by an ordinary leap from the ground. 1857 Trans. Michigan Agric. Soc. 8 193 I have seen the commencement of railways, and witnessed the ‘launch’ of the first locomotive. 1879 J. Martineau Ess., Rev., & Addr. (1891) IV. 271 Its daring launch-out on the ocean of real being. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 223/2 Bearing surfaces should be well greased..before the launch takes place. c. The launching of a missile, spacecraft, glider, or the like. (See also Compounds 1 below.) ΘΚΠ society > travel > air or space travel > gliding and hang-gliding > [noun] > launch of glider launch1935 society > travel > air or space travel > space flight > [noun] > a space shot or flight > launching of spacecraft blast-off1951 launch1963 1935 C. H. Latimer-Needham Gliding & Soaring x. 170 The wind velocity should be ascertained and allowed for in any method of mechanical launching or too vigorous a launch may be given unwittingly. 1952 F. Geen A.B.C. of Gliding 95 The easiest launch is a full-height nose launch. 1963 Ann. Reg. 1962 397 The closely matched orbits of the two astronauts also required precise timing of their launches. 1966 Economist 18 June 1307/1 The first of three such launches which are to put a chain of 24 defence communications satellites in synchronous orbit round the earth. 1969 Observer 20 July 9/8 The astronauts..sleep or doze for nearly five hours before preparing for the launch. 5. concrete in Shipbuilding. (See quot. 1850.) ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > [noun] > slip on which ships built or repaired launch1711 slip1769 shipway1840 building-slip1846 slippery path1846 1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 23 Erecting a Ship on the Launch, and launching her from thence. 1712 London Gaz. No. 5019/5 Wherein are two large Launches and a large dry Dock. 1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 128 Launch, the slip or descent whereon the ship is built, including the whole of the machinery used in launching. 6. dialect. A trap for taking eels. ΚΠ 1847 in J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words Compounds C1. General attributive. (In sense 4c.) launch crew n. ΚΠ 1962 J. Glenn in J. Glenn et al. Into Orbit 6 The most junior member of the launch crew. launch date n. ΚΠ 1969 Daily Mail 15 Jan. 5/3 Then suddenly it was now—launch date just around the corner. launch site n. ΚΠ 1969 Listener 20 Feb. 233/2 When you fly over the Soviet Union, can you see their launch sites? launch vehicle n. ΚΠ 1965 New Scientist 18 Mar. 701/1 The Gemini spacecraft, launch vehicle and target vehicle are all derived from hardware and technology already in existence. 1966 Sci. Amer. Jan. 54 Because of various failures in the launch-vehicle guidance system..a lunar landing was not accomplished. C2. launch-block n. ( Cent. Dict.) = launching-ways n., launching-planks n. at launching n. Compounds 2. ΚΠ 1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 54 A Launch Block and Cradles. launch pad n. = launching pad n. at launching n. Compounds 2. ΚΠ 1960 News Chron. 29 Sept. 9/6 The 100-foot rocket sat immobile on its launch-pad. 1968 Times 23 Dec. 6/3 Captain Lovell and Major Anders..climbed into a van which took them to the launch pad. 1969 Times 3 June Suppl. p. iii/1 The world's largest tracked vehicle, ‘the crawler’,..carried..Saturn 5..from its lofty assembly building to launchpad 39A. launch-ways n. ( Cent. Dict.) = launching-ways n., launching-planks n. at launching n. Compounds 2. launch window n. a period outside which the planned launch of a spacecraft cannot take place if the journey is to be completed, owing to the changing positions of the planets. ΘΚΠ society > travel > air or space travel > space flight > [noun] > a space shot or flight > launching of spacecraft > period suitable for window1962 launch window1965 1965 Newsweek 29 Nov. 40/3 It is thought they may even try a third shot before the launch window closes in December. 1966 Sci. News 3 Sept. 165 The 20-day period centered around the launch date allowing travel between planets on an orbit requiring the least amount of energy. This is the so-called ‘launch window’ used to hurl space vehicles from earth to the moon. 1968 Radio Times 19 Dec. 41/4 As to timing, they must choose a launch window several days long when the Moon is in the right position relative to the Earth, when the sun is in the right position relative to the lunar landing sites, and when Apollo 8 can return to a suitable landing on Earth. Draft additions 1997 The placing of a new product on the market; the publicity event at which this takes place. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > selling > [noun] > offering for sale > sales or product launch innovation1939 product launch1963 launch1969 rollout1969 society > leisure > social event > large or public event > [noun] > others waiting Sunday1767 job fair1966 launch1969 1969 J. Argenti Managem. Techniques v. 25 Anxiety that the launch date [of a product] will be missed. 1969 Punch 15 Jan. 96/2 The Ford Capri, a sort of shrunken Mustang, is being built in Britain and Germany and will be launched later this month. But, of course, ‘the launch’, as the trade calls it, is not as simple as that. 1971 Sunday Express (Johannesburg) 28 Mar. 5/1 Mr. Uys..vetoed the display of the same model's nipple when the launch advertisement was submitted. 1983 Willis & Lee Captain's Diary x. 168 The afternoon was hectic—a book launch for Glenn Turner,..and then a store appearance. 1986 Linlithgowshire Jrnl. & Gaz. 17 July 13/3 Since its launch in 1980 ‘The Face’ magazine has reached a worldwide readership. 1991 R.A.F. News 1 Nov. 7/1 Some of them were at the launch, at the Imperial War Museum. Draft additions 1997 launch pad n. also figurative. ΚΠ 1980 Encounter May 75/1 Even more dubious than the writer's obvious failure to ascertain simple facts is his tendency to use his impressions as a launch-pad for daring sociological speculation. 1989 Franchise Mag. Spring 80/2 The company sees the deal with Mansfield as a launchpad for its plans to penetrate the European market. 1995 Nursing Times 22 Mar. 98/2 (advt.) The D grade staff nurse posts are excellent launch pads for career minded nurses. Draft additions December 2015 launch way n. a sloping path or structure down which a boat or ship is launched into a body of water. ΚΠ 1811 Asiatic Ann. Reg. 1808 10 64/1 On Thursday evening, they were overtaken by a sudden gust of wind, which upset their launchway, and dashed them into the river. 1902 Financial Times 3 May 5/2 Harland and Wolff are at present lengthening by 40ft their longest launch-way. 2007 S. Harvey It started with Steamboat x. 219 The sound of the cheering crowd and blast of steamboat whistles was quickly cut short as the Mary Bell came to a halt only halfway down her launch way. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online June 2022). launchn.² Brit. /lɔːn(t)ʃ/, U.S. /lɔn(t)ʃ/, /lɑn(t)ʃ/ Forms: Also 1600s–1700s lanch. Etymology: < Spanish lancha pinnace, perhaps of Malay origin: see lanchara n., lantcha n. N.E.D. (1902) gives the pronunciation as (lǭnʃ, lānʃ) /lɔːnʃ/, formerly /lɑːnʃ/. 1. The largest boat of a man-of-war, more flat-bottomed than a long boat, for use in shallow water, usually sloop-rigged. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > boat attendant on larger vessel > [noun] > ship's boat > types of float-boat1322 cocka1400 cockboat1413 longboat1421 cogc1430 cog boat1440 espyne1487 jolywat1495 barge1530 fly-boat1598 gondola1626 cocket-boat1668 yawl1670 whale-boat1682 pinnace1685 launch1697 jolly-boat1728 cutter1745 gig1790 pram1807 jolly1829 whaler1893 1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World i. 2 The Craft which carried us was a Lanch, or Long Boat. 1753 T. Woodroofe in J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea I. xvii. 114 We had..a launch of ten tuns with sixteen oars. 1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple II. xiv. 237 The launch, yawl, first and second cutters, were the boats appointed for the expedition. 2. A large boat propelled by electricity, steam, etc. ( electric launch, steam-launch) used for transporting passengers, or as a pleasure-craft. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > mechanically propelled vessels > [noun] > motor vessel > launch launch1865 motor launch1897 ML1928 vedette1963 1865 D. Livingstone & C. Livingstone Narr. Exped. Zambesi xxi. 423 Natives from all parts of the country came to see the launch. 1880 Daily Tel. 26 Nov. The Judge directed them that to find a verdict of guilty they must be satisfied that the defendant omitted to perform an obvious duty in navigating his launch. Compounds C1. attributive. ΚΠ 1894 C. H. Cook Thames Rights 21 On the Thames, some 370 launch-owners endanger the lives of many thousands of people. 1894 C. H. Cook Thames Rights 28 A man absolutely ignorant of steam or other vessels may be a launch-driver. C2. launch-engine n. (see quot. 1875). ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > propulsion machinery > [noun] > marine engine > types of steeple engine1839 launch-engine1875 kicker1928 inboard1929 outboard1935 outdrive1961 trolling motor1964 sterndrive1968 thruster1972 putter1975 1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. II. 1266/2 Launch-engines generally consist of a boiler with engines attached thereto, and are used for propelling the launches of large ocean steamers in shallow harbors. 1889 P. N. Hasluck Model Engineer's Handybk. vi. 69 A double cylinder launch engine fitted with reversing motion. 1909 Westm. Gaz. 23 Mar. 4/3 A very fine launch-engine, fitted with..reversing gear. launchman n. a man who operates a launch. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > types of sailor > [noun] > sailor on other types of craft brigantiner1555 gondolier1603 collier1716 Greenlandman?1785 junkman1795 surfman1816 Whitehaller1824 gig1833 yawler1833 coracler1834 keel-boatman1839 square-rigger1855 surf boatman1856 skiffman1868 flatman1883 yawlsman1885 packet rat1887 hookerman1894 scooterist1919 launchman1924 sampan-wallah1932 tanker man1932 hydrocyclist- 1924 J. Masefield Sard Harker 146 Everybody was very still, except for the launchman munching his onion. 1928 Daily Mail 13 Aug. 13/4 The complement consists of captain, first and second mate, two cooks, two stewards, boatswain, launchman, and able seamen. 1963 M. Shadbolt in C. K. Stead N.Z. Short Stories (1966) 2nd Ser. 322 So my father produced the launchman and people from the township as witnesses. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online March 2022). launchv. Brit. /lɔːn(t)ʃ/, U.S. /lɔn(t)ʃ/, /lɑn(t)ʃ/ Forms: Middle English launche, (Middle English launchyn, lawnchyn, launsche, lonch), Middle English–1500s lawnche, Middle English–1800s lanch(e, (1500s lange, launge), 1500s– launch. Etymology: < Old Northern French lancher = Central Old French lancier : see lance v. N.E.D. (1902) gives the pronunciation as (lǭnʃ, lānʃ) /lɔːnʃ/, formerly /lɑːnʃ/. †1. a. transitive. To pierce, transfix, wound; cut, slit; to make (a wound) by piercing. Also with up. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > injure [verb (transitive)] > wound > pierce asnesec880 prickOE stickOE through-stitchc1230 threstc1275 rivec1330 dartc1374 gridea1400 tanga1400 prochea1425 launch1460 accloy1543 gag1570 pole1728 spigota1798 assegai1834 the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > making holes or becoming holed > make (an opening or hole) [verb (transitive)] > make an opening or hole in or into > bore, pierce, or perforate > with something sharp-pointed shearOE sting993 stickOE spita1225 wound?c1225 stitchc1230 pitcha1275 threstc1275 forprick1297 steekc1300 piercec1325 rivec1330 dag?a1400 jag?a1400 lancec1400 pickc1400 tamec1400 forpierce1413 punch1440 launch1460 thringc1485 empiercec1487 to-pierce1488 joba1500 ding1529 stob?1530 probe1542 enthrill1563 inthirlc1580 cloy1590 burt1597 pink1597 lancinate1603 perterebrate1623 puncture1675 spike1687 skiver1832 bepierce1840 gimlet1841 prong1848 javelin1859 1460 Libeaus Desc. 293 (Kaluza) Wiþ his sper he will launche All þat aȝens him rit. 1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope v. x Two rammes within a medowe whiche with theyr hornes launched eche other. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 6811 Toax..with a tore speire..hym launchit to dethe. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. ii. sig. Dd4 Whose loue hath gryde My feeble brest of late, and launched this wound wyde. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ii. sig. Aa3 A sharpe borespeare, With which he wont to launch the saluage hart Of many a Lyon. View more context for this quotation ?1610 J. Fletcher Faithfull Shepheardesse iv. sig. G4 Hee, Directed by his fury Bloodelye, Lanch't vpp her brest. 1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 12 In the beginning of August lanch they the rine, from whence the masticke distilleth. 1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. i. i. 2 Nine Bulls were launch'd by his victorious arm. †b. To cut with a lancet, to lance; to let out (infection) by lancing. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > incision > make an incision in or cut [verb (transitive)] > lance launch1426 lance1474 1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 18357 For pouerte Is bothe medicyne and leche To launche the bocche off Properte. 1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares 82 a So wil they giue them more..to feede their sores then to launch them. 1598 Queen Elizabeth I tr. Plutarch De Curiositate in Queen Elizabeth's Englishings (1899) xiv. 23 As wound that bloudies hit self while hit is Launged. 1604 M. Drayton Owle sig. C3 To lanch th' infection of a poysoned state. 1617 J. Woodall Surgions Mate 15 If you bewary you neede not launch or cut the gumme at all. 1641 T. Edwards Reasons against Independant Govt. Congregations 10 The foote..is dressed, lanched and ordered, not by it selfe, but by the hands and eyes. figurative.1624 F. Quarles Sions Elegies ii. sig. D2^v Thy Prophets..Rubb'd, where they should haue launcht.1631 T. Fuller Hearty Repentance xvii, in Davids Sinne sig. C3 Nathan, than whom, was none more skil'd to lanch A festreed soule. 2. a. To hurl, shoot, discharge, send off (a missile) (cf. lance v. 1); spec. to send off (a rocket, spacecraft, or the like, or an astronaut) on its (or his) course: (cf. 4b, from which this use may equally derive). †Also, to heave (the lead). ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > discharge (missile) sendc825 to let flyOE slenga1300 castc1325 lancec1330 throwa1382 launch?a1400 whirlc1440 fling1487 dischargec1500 to let goc1500 streek1513 deliver1574 level1592 fire1887 society > travel > air or space travel > space flight > [verb (transitive)] > send off (rocket or spacecraft) on its course launch1873 ?a1400 Morte Arth. 750 Schipe-mene..Launchez lede apone lufe. 1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xliii. 164 Launchynge and castyng to hym speres and dartes. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 245 And lanch'd against their Navy Phrygian Fire. 1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. ix. 46 All the thunders of Heaven seemed launched at this defenceless head! 1808 W. Scott Marmion i. Introd. 7 Nor mourn ye less his perished worth, Who..launched that thunderbolt of war On Egypt. 1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville I. 268 Much as they thirsted for his blood, they forebore to launch a shaft. 1873 L. Mercier & E. C. King tr. J. Verne From Earth to Moon 145 The gun destined to launch the projectile had to be fixed in a country situated between the 0 and 28th degrees of north or south latitude. 1873 L. Mercier & E. C. King tr. J. Verne From Earth to Moon 145 Launched on the 1st of December,..it ought to reach the moon four days after its departure. 1922 Encycl. Brit. XXX. 50/1 A forecastle deck large enough to enable a seaplane to be launched therefrom on a light subsidiary carriage. 1952 Oxf. Junior Encycl. X. 17/2 The German guided missiles..launched against London from the French coast were driven by their own power and were automatically controlled. 1957 Britannica Bk. of Year 443 The first artificial earth satellite..was launched from a site in the U.S.S.R...on Oct. 4, 1957. 1960 J. N. Bell Seven into Space i. 15 He knows an excitement so intense that it seems he can no longer contain it. The first American has been launched into space. 1972 A. C. Kermode Mech. of Flight (ed. 8) xii. 390 As with the X15 these [sc. lifting bodies] are launched from a mother craft. 1974 Daily Tel. 14 Feb. 1/3 Two more spaceships, Mars-6, and Mars-7, which were launched last August, were due to approach the planet next month. absolute.c1500 Melusine (1895) xxi. 137 Thanne bygan the Cypryens..to shote & to launche on the paynemes. b. with immaterial object, e.g. a blow, censure, threat, sentence. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (transitive)] > project through space > specifically an immaterial thing shoot1612 launch1748 fire1859 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack with hostile words or measures > direct (hostile action or words) upon deliver1433 bend1577 launch1865 welly1966 1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. cxxiii. 390 The best in the world to launch a gum. 1865 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Rationalism (1878) I. 251 Week after week he launched from the pulpit the most scathing invectives. 1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) III. xii. 89 The assembled Fathers at once went on to launch the censures of the church against offenders of every degree. 1875 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. II. xvi. 345 A threat launched especially at the Despensers. 1886 G. T. Stokes Ireland & Celtic Church (1888) 171 Jerome, therefore, launched a treatise against him. †c. To throw (a person); reflexive to hurl oneself, dart, rush. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (transitive)] warpc888 torvec1000 castc1230 slingc1290 forthcasta1300 throwc1300 lancec1330 hit1362 pitchc1380 slentc1380 glenta1400 launcha1400 routc1400 waltc1400 flingc1420 jeta1450 vire1487 ajet1490 hurl1563 toss1570 kest1590 picka1600 peck1611 jaculate1623 conject1625 elance1718 squail1876 tipple1887 bish1940 biff1941 slap1957 welly1986 a1400 Seuyn Sages (W.) 1904 The louerd..in a bed he dede hire launche. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. xxxix. 315 Then do they launch themselves foorth. d. To dart forward (a weapon, a limb, etc.). Now only, to dart out (something long and flexible). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move or cause to move forward or advance [verb (transitive)] > dart forward launchc1405 the world > animals > animal body > general parts > head and neck > [verb (transitive)] > dart out (of tongue) launch1847–9 c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Summoner's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 437 Down his hand he launcheth to the clifte. 1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 461 Hyr syxthe hand she gan to launche Lowe doun vn-to hyr haunche. 1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iii. ii The booll..smote strongly whith his feet after the man and launched his hornes at hym. 1847–9 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. IV. i. 293/1 The whole tongue is then launched out with a rapidity that is perfectly amazing. 3. a. intransitive for reflexive. To be set into sudden or rapid motion; to rush, plunge, start or shoot forth; †to leap, vault; transferred to ‘skip’ in reading. Obsolete exc. dialect. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > leap, spring, or jump [verb (intransitive)] leapc900 startOE reseOE springa1275 throwc1275 upleapc1275 launch13.. aspringc1315 sault1377 lance?a1400 sprenta1400 loupc1480 lope1483 spang1513 bendc1530 jump1530 spend1533 stend1567 vaulta1568 pract1568 exult1570 bound1593 saltate1623 subsalt1623 jet1635 spoutc1650 volt1753 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > plunge > plunge in or under water or mud launch13.. sousec1400 douse1603 plounce1654 delve1697 immerge1706 immerse1739 inswamp1775 plout1814 blob1875 society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > skim or browse or skip skip1526 launch1570 to run over1577 rufflea1631 leaf1663 to run through1670 to dip into1682 skim1739 thumb-read1825 browse1903 thumb1930 riffle1938 riff1942 skim-read1954 skip-read1977 13.. K. Alis. 3746 He gan in the water launche: Up he cam in that othir side. ?a1400 Morte Arth. 194 Of ilke a leche the lowe launschide fulle hye. ?a1400 Morte Arth. 2560 Who lukes to the lefte syde, whene his horse launches. c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 290/2 Lawnchyn, or skyppyn ouer a dyke,..perconto. 1480 W. Caxton tr. Ovid Metamorphoses xi. xix The mortal floodes launchid in by the places opend. ?a1500 Chester Pl. vii. 469 Lanch on! I will not be the last upon Mary for to marveyle. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 12307 Þai demet þe duke..to..launche out of towne. 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Launche to shore, appellere ripam. 1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Biii^v/2 To Lanch ouer a boke, percurrere. 1787 T. Best Conc. Treat. Angling (ed. 2) 45 He [a fish] will launch and plunge in such a manner, that..he will tear away his hold. 1814 W. Irving in Life & Lett. (1864) I. 317 The poor animal..gazed at me..and then launching away to the left, I presently heard it plunge into the river. a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Launch, to take long strides. †b. transferred. To shoot, sprout. Also, to project. ΘΚΠ the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > sprout forth or spring up growc725 springOE upspringc1000 sprouta1200 springa1225 risea1382 burgeon1382 burgea1387 to run upa1393 lance1393 bursta1400 launch1401 reke?1440 alighta1450 shoot1483 to come up?1523 start1587 to grow up1611 to come away1669 to break forth1675 upshoot1841 outgrow1861 sprinta1878 break1882 sprount1890 1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 90 Thei ben bastard braunches that launchen from oure bileve. 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 49 The Cape lanches into the Sea with Three Points. c. figurative. (Now usually with out.) To enter boldly or freely into a course of action; to rush into expense; to burst out into unrestrained speech. †to launch it out: to flaunt, make a display. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display or show off [verb (intransitive)] brandishc1340 ruffle1484 braga1556 swash1556 flourish1563 flaunt1566 prank1567 prink1573 to shake, wag the feather1581 peacockize1598 air1605 display1608 to launch it out1608 flasha1616 to cut it out1619 flare1633 vapour1652 peacock1654 spark1676 to gallantrize it1693 bosh1709 glare1712 to cut a bosh1726 to show away1728 to figure away, off1749 parade1749 to cut a dashc1771 dash1786 to cut up1787 to cut a flash1795 to make, or cut, a splash1804 swank1809 to come out strong1825 to cut a spludge1831 to cut it (too) fat1836 pavonize1838 splurge1844 to do the grand1847 to cut a swath1848 to cut a splurge1860 to fan out1860 spread1860 skyre1871 fluster1876 to strut one's stuff1926 showboat1937 floss1938 style1968 the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > make a beginning in some enterprise > boldly or freely launch1608 to sail in1856 the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > boldly or freely launch1711 1608 T. Middleton Familie of Love (new ed.) v. sig. I3 If master Gerardine..would yet be induced to take your Neece..would you launch with a thousand pound, besides her fathers portion? 1624 W. Bedell Copies Certaine Lett. vii. 115 Thus Pamelius; and presently lanches forth into the Priuiledges of the See of Rome. a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Spanish Curat ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. E3/2 When you love, lanch it out in silks and velvets. 1686 R. Boyle Free Enq. Notion Nature vi. 196 I want time to launch into an ample discourse. 1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 49. ⁋4 He enjoys a great Fortune handsomly, without lanching into Expence. 1713 A. Pope in Guardian 16 Mar. 2/2 There is no Subject I could launch into with more Pleasure than your Panegyrick. 1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. vii. 88 He has perhaps launch'd out in trade beyond his reach. 1732 J. Arbuthnot Pract. Rules of Diet iv. 430 I have lanch'd out of my Subject in this Article. 1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 96 One launching out upon my Complexion, another upon my Eyes. c1820 S. Rogers Descent in Italy 38 For awhile he held his peace..But soon, the danger passed, launched forth again. 1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity I. iii. vii. 463 The triumphant Pontiff..launches out into a panegyric on the mercy and benignity of the usurper. 1864 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia IV. xvi. xv. 492 I began to launch out on Friedrich's actions; but he interrupted me rapidly. 1887 A. Jessopp Arcady i. 9 The small man..is..slow to launch out into expense when things are going well. 1888 J. W. Burgon Lives Twelve Good Men I. iii. 358 You could not vex him more than by launching out against some common acquaintance. 1888 J. Ruskin Præterita III. i. 11 She launched involuntarily into an eager and beautiful little sermon. 4. a. transitive. To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land, or the stocks, into the water; to set afloat; to lower (a boat) into the water. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > launching a vessel > launch or set afloat [verb (transitive)] launch?a1400 puta1450 shoot1487 lance?1518 to set on the sea, water, afloat1559 to set afloat1785 float1885 ?a1400 Morte Arth. 3921 He..Gers lawnche his botes appone a lawe watire. 1449 R. Wenyngton in Paston Lett. & Papers (2005) III. 69 They lonchyd a bote. 1511 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1885) III. 332 To lawnche the boote in to the water. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccccxiii. 722 There came two other barkes..and anone they were langed into the ryuer. 1555 Act 2 & 3 Ph. & Mary c. 16 §7 Before the said Boate..bee lanched out of the Yarde or Grounde. a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. E4^v Was this the face that launcht a thousand shippes? 1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Gothick Warre iii. 92 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian He lancht into the Tiber also 200. Pinnaces. 1712 A. Pope tr. Ovid Sapho to Phaon in tr. Ovid Epist. (ed. 8) 20 O launch thy Bark, nor fear the watry Plain. 1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. III. 288 From these sheds they are launched into the deep canals. 1821 J. Baillie Columbus in Metrical Legends lviii. 2 Ere from his home He launch his vent'rous bark. 1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. iii. 45 Our boats must be sledged over some 60..miles of terrible ice before launching and loading them. b. In wider sense: To send off, start upon a course, send adrift; spec. to release (a balloon or its contents) into the air at the beginning of a flight. (Cf. 2.) ΘΚΠ society > travel > air or space travel > ballooning > carry in or as in balloon [verb (transitive)] > launch balloon launch1824 1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. xiii. 62 Out goes the boat, they are lanched from the ship side. a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 217 When Pudding-Wives were launcht in cock quean Stools. 1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. viii. 455 Haste, launch thy Chariot, thro' yon Ranks to ride. 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. i. 8 Fling open the door, and lanch the floating bridge. 1824 Encycl. Brit. Suppl. I. 83/1 It was soon found, that a balloon, launched into the atmosphere, is abandoned, without guidance or command, to the mercy of the winds. 1855 D. Brewster Mem. Life I. Newton (new ed.) I. xiii. 359 The planets, like the comets, might have been launched in different directions. 1959 Chambers's Encycl. I. 103/2 On 19 Sept. 1783..they launched a sheep, a cock and a duck into the air, enclosed in a basket suspended beneath the balloon. c. figurative. To start (a person) in, into, or on a business, career, etc.; to set on foot (a project); to commence (an action). Also with out. to launch into eternity: rhetorically for ‘to put to death’. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > cause (a person) to begin to do something launch1602 start1757 to set on1823 to start off1844 to set off1863 the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)] forsweltc888 sweltc888 adeadeOE deadc950 wendeOE i-wite971 starveOE witea1000 forfereOE forthfareOE forworthc1000 to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE queleOE fallOE to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE to shed (one's own) blood?a1100 diec1135 endc1175 farec1175 to give up the ghostc1175 letc1200 aswelta1250 leavea1250 to-sweltc1275 to-worthc1275 to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290 finea1300 spilla1300 part?1316 to leese one's life-daysa1325 to nim the way of deathc1325 to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330 flit1340 trance1340 determinec1374 disperisha1382 to go the way of all the eartha1382 to be gathered to one's fathers1382 miscarryc1387 shut1390 goa1393 to die upa1400 expirea1400 fleea1400 to pass awaya1400 to seek out of lifea1400–50 to sye hethena1400 tinea1400 trespass14.. espirec1430 to end one's days?a1439 decease1439 to go away?a1450 ungoc1450 unlivec1450 to change one's lifea1470 vade1495 depart1501 to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513 to decease this world1515 to go over?1520 jet1530 vade1530 to go westa1532 to pick over the perch1532 galpa1535 to die the death1535 to depart to God1548 to go home1561 mort1568 inlaikc1575 shuffle1576 finish1578 to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587 relent1587 unbreathe1589 transpass1592 to lose one's breath1596 to make a die (of it)1611 to go offa1616 fail1623 to go out1635 to peak over the percha1641 exita1652 drop1654 to knock offa1657 to kick upa1658 to pay nature her due1657 ghost1666 to march off1693 to die off1697 pike1697 to drop off1699 tip (over) the perch1699 to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703 sink1718 vent1718 to launch into eternity1719 to join the majority1721 demise1727 to pack off1735 to slip one's cable1751 turf1763 to move off1764 to pop off the hooks1764 to hop off1797 to pass on1805 to go to glory1814 sough1816 to hand in one's accounts1817 to slip one's breatha1819 croak1819 to slip one's wind1819 stiffen1820 weed1824 buy1825 to drop short1826 to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839 to get one's (also the) call1839 to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840 to unreeve one's lifeline1840 to step out1844 to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845 to hand in one's checks1845 to go off the handle1848 to go under1848 succumb1849 to turn one's toes up1851 to peg out1852 walk1858 snuff1864 to go or be up the flume1865 to pass outc1867 to cash in one's chips1870 to go (also pass over) to the majority1883 to cash in1884 to cop it1884 snuff1885 to belly up1886 perch1886 to kick the bucket1889 off1890 to knock over1892 to pass over1897 to stop one1901 to pass in1904 to hand in one's marble1911 the silver cord is loosed1911 pip1913 to cross over1915 conk1917 to check out1921 to kick off1921 to pack up1925 to step off1926 to take the ferry1928 peg1931 to meet one's Maker1933 to kiss off1935 to crease it1959 zonk1968 cark1977 to cark it1979 to take a dirt nap1981 1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iv. sig. G^v Was neuer Prince..With louder shouts of tryumph launched out Into the surgy maine of gouernment. 1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 217 Being lanched again into the gulf of misery. View more context for this quotation 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 108. ¶7 We find several Citizens that were lanched into the World with narrow Fortunes. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 298 I am now launch'd quite beside my Design. 1802 Med. Jrnl. viii. 275 The mention of this term serves to launch the author into a digression. 1812 Examiner 30 Nov. 768/1 The platform, from whence he was to be launched into eternity. 1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville I. 43 The worthy captain,..fairly launched on the broad prairies, with his face to the boundless west. 1840 W. Irving Ralph Ringwood in Knickerbocker Mag. Sept. 263 It was agreed that..as soon as I should be fairly launched in business, we would be married. 1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola I. vi. 104 The pretty youngster..was well launched in Bardo's favourable regard. 1872 J. Yeats Growth Commerce 275 The Mississippi scheme launched by John Law. 1884 H. B. Buckley in Law Times Rep. 22 Mar. 115/1 The plaintiff himself has launched this action in the Chancery Division. d. To publish (a book); to put (a product, etc.) on the market. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (transitive)] > expose or offer for sale > establish or promote (a product) launch1870 to put out1883 market1922 package1946 1870 ‘M. Twain’ Lett. to Publishers (1967) 45 We'll have someone standing ready to launch a book right on our big tidal wave and swim it into a success. 1919 J. Quinn Let. 3 Oct. in T. S. Eliot Waste Land Drafts (1971) p. xvii My part in connection with launching your book is finished. 1926 H. Crane Let. 5 Dec. (1965) 278 Once this first book is really launched and off my mind. 1966 Listener 17 Nov. 716/3 The complicated process of launching a new American car. 1969 J. Argenti Managem. Techniques v. 25 To launch a product is a complex project. 5. intransitive. Of the ship: To be launched, to pass into the water. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > launching a vessel > be launched [verb (intransitive)] to take the water1578 launch1665 1665 Oxf. Gaz. No. 5/4 The Resolution now in the Dock, Launches on Tuesday 28. 1677 W. Hughes Man of Sin iii. iii. 67 A fourth,..with some Prayers and three signings of the Cross made a Ship lanch with few men. 1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine at Building Cradles, placed under the bottom, to conduct the ship..into the water whilst lanching. 1906 Westm. Gaz. 26 Nov. 6/2 The payment was refused on the ground that the Deal lifeboat launched to the same wreck. 6. To push forth, out from land, put to sea, advance seawards; literal and figurative. to launch into eternity: rhetorically for ‘to die’. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > [verb (intransitive)] > set out on a voyage to go to seac900 to take the seac1275 to go or fere to (the) saila1375 sail1387 to make saila1500 to set sail1513 lance1526 launch1534 to put off1582 to put out?1587 to put forth1604 to come to sail1633 underweigh1891 to take sail1904 the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (reflexive)] > move impetuously throwc1330 launch1534 hurlc1540 shoot1577 run1605 fling1700 1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) Luke v. 4 He sayde vnto Simon: Launche out in to the depe. 1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. i. f. 55^v He lanched from that lande, and directed his course to Vraba. 1600 M. Drayton Englands Heroicall Epist. (rev. ed.) f. 50 ^v The Thames..That daunc'd with my Barge in launching from the stayre. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies i. xviii. 60 I doe not finde in ancient bookes, that they have lanched farre into the Ocean. a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) ii. 385 What need I lanch forth into this forrain deep? 1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe ii. 25 Lanching out into a Sea of strife. 1720 D. Manley Power of Love i. 123 He was afraid his Soul should launch into Eternity without a Guide to direct his Penitence. 1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. ii. 23 The time of my servitude [has] expir'd, and I am launch'd forth into the great ocean of business. 1766 D. Hume Let. 20 Nov. (1932) II. 111 I find I am launching out insensibly into an immense ocean of commonplace. 1769 E. Burke Observ. Late State Nation 73 We must have launched into a new sea, I fear a boundless sea, of expence. 1773 S. Johnson Let. 21 Sept. (1992) II. 77 We launched into one of the straits of the Atlantick Ocean. 1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece (new ed.) II. xii. 107 Before any Greek navigator ventured..to launch out beyond Sicily. 1875 H. W. Longfellow Pandora ii Forth I launch On the sustaining air. 7. transitive. Nautical. †a. To set up, hoist (a yard). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 41 Vnparrell the mizen yard and lanch it, and the saile ouer her Lee quarter. b. To move (casks, heavy goods, etc.) by pushing. ΚΠ 1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. Launch, a term used in several sea phrases, as launch out the capstan bars, that is, put them out; launch aft, or foreward on, that is, when things are stowed in the hold, to put them more aft, or foreward on. c. ‘ Launch-ho! The order to let go the top-rope, after the top-mast has been swayed up and fidded’ (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk. 1867). ΚΠ 1692 Smith's Sea-mans Gram. (new ed.) i. xvi. 79 When a Yard is hoisted high enough, they usually call aloud Launch-hôe, that is hoise no more. 1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 161 To Launch;..to leave off pulling, haling, or heaving. 1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Suppl. Lanch, the order to let go the top-rope, after any top-mast is fidded. 8. Public School slang. (See quots.) ΚΠ 1865 G. F. Berkeley My Life & Recoll. I. 129 I had [at Sandhurst about 1815] to undergo the usual torments of being ‘launched’, that is, having my bed reversed while I was asleep [etc.]. 1878 H. C. Adams Wykehamica 426 Launch, to drag a boy, bed-clothes, mattress, and all, off his bedstead on to the floor. 9. intransitive. To propel a boat with a pole, etc.; spec. in Wildfowl shooting (see quot. 1824). ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > propelling boat by oars, paddle, or pole > [verb (intransitive)] > pole or punt punt1776 to set up1776 kent1820 launch1824 pole1831 1824 P. Hawker Instr. Young Sportsmen (ed. 3) 329 Off they set,..crawling on their knees, and shoving this punt before them on the mud. Thus travelling all night (by ‘launching’ over the mud, and rowing across the creeks). 1856 P. Thompson Hist. & Antiq. Boston, Lincoln 713 Launching—propelling a barge or small vessel in a river by means of a poy. 10. dialect. (See quot. 1847.) ΚΠ 1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words I. (at cited word) To launch leeks is to plant them like celery in trenches. West. Draft additions 1997 To throw (a person); reflexive, to hurl oneself; dart, rush. Also figurative. ΚΠ 1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy V. xxix. 104 Gymnast..launched himself aloft into the air. 1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick cxxxiv. 617 The first uprising momentum of the whale..involuntarily launched him along it [sc. the boat], to a little distance from the centre of the destruction he had made. 1872 ‘M. Twain’ Roughing It li. 362 He then launched himself lovingly into his work. 1915 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Island xvi. 166 Rusty..launched himself at the Sarah-cat. The stately animal had stopped washing her face and was looking at him curiously. a1961 P. Rooney in Webster II. 1278/1 Suddenly launched himself from between his guards..and vanished into the rocks and heather, still handcuffed. 1992 Boston Globe 31 July 68/4 She thundered down the runway, launched herself skyward and struck her first vault for a 9.975. Draft additions 1997 figurative. Of a product, enterprise, etc.: to begin operation or trading; to be made publicly available. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (intransitive)] > offer, promote, or advertise sale show1849 list1952 launch1968 the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > become active or come into operation > of a product or enterprise launch1968 1968 Campaign 1 Nov. 1/5 Since Campaign launched on September 12, [etc.]. 1984 Broadcast 7 Dec. 8/1 Called Beeb, it launches on 29 January with an initial print run of 400,000 and is clearly aimed to rival ITV's paper. 1987 Times 2 Apr. 19/3 When the new publishing house of Bloomsbury launches today, its fictional first-born will be Trust by Mary Flanagan. 1991 Campaign 16 Aug. 10/5 With..Black Briton launching shortly. Draft additions 1997 Military. To mount (an assault or offensive); to open (an engagement, hostilities, etc.). Also figurative. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > [verb (transitive)] > open (hostilities) launch1916 society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)] > launch or make (an attack) deliver1433 offer1530 launch1916 mount1952 1916 Times 18 May 6/3 In the Lagarina Valley..the enemy yesterday launched five violent attacks..on the slopes north of Zugna Torta. 1922 Encycl. Brit. XXXI. 601/1 A week later the Austrian offensive was launched. 1940 J. Colville Diary 13 Jan. in Fringes of Power (1985) 70 The Cabinet has received information that an attack may be launched by the Germans against Holland and Belgium. 1961 G. F. Kennan Russia & West xii. 168 He launched an offensive which carried Polish forces in a fortnight all the way to the Dnepr River. 1981 S. Chitty Gwen John vi. 87 She launched a campaign of which a general might have been proud. 1988 Financial Times 24 Mar. 46/5 A British advertising agency..has launched a bitter legal attack against six senior..executives. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.¹c1430n.²1697v.13..
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launchn.1

Compounds

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Draft additions 1997

Draft additions December 2015

launchn.2

Compounds

launchv.

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Draft additions 1997

Draft additions 1997

launchn.¹

launchn.²