(~es, ~ing, ~ed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
To ~ a rocket, missile, or satellite means to send it into the air or into space.
NASA plans to ~ a satellite to study cosmic rays...
A Delta II rocket was ~ed from Cape Canaveral early this morning.
VERB: V n, V n
•
Launch is also a noun.
This morning’s ~ of the space shuttle Columbia has been delayed.
N-VAR
2.
To ~ a ship or a boat means to put it into water, often for the first time after it has been built.
There was no time to ~ the lifeboats because the ferry capsized with such alarming speed.
VERB: V n
•
Launch is also a noun.
The ~ of a ship was a big occasion.
N-COUNT: usu with poss
3.
To ~ a large and important activity, for example a military attack, means to start it.
Heavy fighting has been going on after the guerrillas had ~ed their offensive...
The police have ~ed an investigation into the incident...
VERB: V n, V n
•
Launch is also a noun.
...the ~ of a campaign to restore law and order.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
4.
If a company ~es a new product, it makes it available to the public.
Crabtree & Evelyn has just ~ed a new jam, Worcesterberry Preserve...
Marks & Spencer recently hired model Linda Evangelista to ~ its new range.
VERB: V n, V n
•
Launch is also a noun.
The company’s spending has also risen following the ~ of a new Sunday magazine.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
5.
A ~ is a large motorboat that is used for carrying people on rivers and lakes and in harbours.
The captain was on the deck of the ~, steadying the boat for the pilot...
N-COUNT: also by N