Launch Definition

lônch, länch

launched, launches, launching

verb

launched, launches, launching

To hurl, discharge, or send off (a weapon, blow, etc.)

Webster's New World

To send forth with some force.

To launch a plane by catapult.

Webster's New World

To put to sea.

Webster's New World

To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion.

Launch a rocket; launch a torpedo.

American Heritage

To throw oneself (into) with vigor; rush; plunge.

To launch into a tirade.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

noun

launches

The act or process of launching.

Webster's New World

The largest boat carried by a warship.

Webster's New World

An open, or partly enclosed, motorboat.

Webster's New World

The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)

Wiktionary

(nautical) A boat used to convey guests to and from a yaucht.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

adjective

Designating or of vehicles, facilities, sites, etc. used in the launching of spacecraft or missiles.

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Launch

Singular:

launch

Plural:

From Old English launchen (“to throw as a lance"), Old French lanchier, another form (Old Northern French/Norman variant, compare Jèrriais lanchi) of lancier, French lancer, from lance.

From Wiktionary
Middle English launchen from Old North French lancher from Latin lanceāre to wield a lance from lancea lance lance

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Portuguese lancha (“barge, launch"), apparently from Malay lancar (“quick, agile"). Spelling influenced by the verb above.

From Wiktionary
Probably alteration (probably influenced by launch) of Malay lancha

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition