Plunge

As a Verb

1. To fall or move suddenly and forcefully downward.
2. To dive into water or another substance.
3. To decrease sharply or dramatically.
4. To engage deeply or suddenly in an activity.

As a Noun

1. A sudden or forceful fall or dive.
2. A steep and rapid decline.

As Other Form

• Plunging (Adjective): Falling or dropping sharply.

Word History

The word plunge comes from the Old French plonger, meaning “to thrust or sink,” which is derived from the Latin plumbicare (to heave a lead weight). Originally, it referred to physically submerging something but later evolved to describe sudden declines or deep involvement in activities.

Examples

1. He plunged into the swimming pool. (Verb)
2. Stock prices plunged after the announcement. (Verb)
3. She plunged into her work with enthusiasm. (Verb)
4. The car took a plunge off the cliff. (Noun)
5. The temperature took a sudden plunge overnight. (Noun)

Synonyms

Dive, drop, sink, descend, immerse

Related Words

Fall, submerge, dip, plummet

Antonyms

Rise, ascend, increase, soar