LAUNCH

v. & n. --v. 1 tr. set (a vessel) afloat. 2 tr. hurl or send forth (a weapon, rocket, etc.). 3 tr. start or set in motion (an enterprise, a person on a course of action, etc.). 4 tr. formally introduce (a new product) with publicity etc. 5 intr. (often foll. by out, into, etc.) a make a start, esp. on an ambitious enterprise. b burst into strong language etc. --n. the act or an instance of launching. ølaunch (or launching) pad a platform with a supporting structure, from which rockets are launched. [ME f. AF launcher, ONF lancher, OF lancier LANCE v.]