Plunge

Definition

Plunge typically refers to the act of jumping or diving quickly and energetically into water or a similar liquid or the rapid fall in value or amount.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /plʌndʒ/
• Respelling: PLUHNJ (with "PLUHN" as in "plum," and "J" as in "judge")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /plʌndʒ/
• Respelling: PLUHNJ (similar to American English, with "PLUHN" as in "plum," and "J" as in "judge")

In both dialects, "plunge" is pronounced with the primary stress on the single syllable, "PLUHNJ." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the combined consonant sounds.

Etymology

The term "plunge" originated from the Old French word "plongier", meaning "to plunge or immerse". It has been in use in English since the late Middle Ages.

Derivatives

• Plunger
• Plunging
• Unplunged
• Replunge
• Plungeable

Synonyms

• Dive
• Jump
• Drop

Antonyms

• Ascend
• Rise
• Surface

Usage

"Plunge" can refer to the act of immersing or submerging quickly into a substance, particularly water. It also denotes a sudden decrease in value or amount. The term can be applied in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Related Terms

• Dip
• Descend
• Tumble
• Sink
• Fall

Detailed Definition

Noun

• An act of jumping or diving into water.
• Example: "He took a daring plunge from the high dive."

• A sudden and significant decline, typically in the value or amount of something.
• Example: "The stock market took a plunge today."

Verb

• To jump or dive quickly and energetically.
• Example: "The children plunged into the lake."

• To fall suddenly and uncontrollably.
• Example: "The car plunged off the cliff."

• To thrust or throw forcefully into a substance or place.
• Example: "She plunged the knife into the cake."