1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
launch (or launching) pad a platform with a supporting structure, from which rockets are launched.
Etymology: ME f. AF launcher, ONF lancher, OF lancier LANCE v. 2. n.1 a large motor boat, used esp. for pleasure.
2 a man-of-war's largest boat.
Etymology: Sp. lancha pinnace perh. f. Malay lancharan f. lanchar swift