I. ˈplənj verb
( plunged ; plung·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French plunger, from Vulgar Latin * plumbicare, from Latin plumbum lead
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something
plunged the dagger
2. : to cause to enter a state or course of action usually suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently
plunged the nation into economic depression
intransitive verb
1. : to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water
2.
a. : to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward ; also : to move oneself in such a manner
plunged off the embankment
b. : to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly
plunges into project after project
c. : to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly
3. : to descend or dip suddenly
the stock's value plunged
II. noun
Date: 15th century
: an act or instance of plunging : dive ; also : swim