plunge
UK[plʌndʒ]US[plʌndʒ]
v
to move or fall suddenly and often a long way forward, down, or into something
v
to suddenly start doing something with energy and enthusiasm, but sometimes without thinking first
v
to decrease quickly and suddenly in amount or value
n
a sudden and large reduction in value or amount
n
a sudden quick movement forward or down, especially into water
Etymology
the word 'plunge' has a journey rooted in the physical act of sinking. it entered middle english from anglo-french, carrying the core sense of thrusting something, or oneself, into liquid or another substance. the possible link to the latin 'plumbum' (lead) suggests an early association with the heavy, decisive action of a lead weight dropping into water to measure depth. over time, this concrete meaning of a forceful dive expanded metaphorically. it now describes any sudden, dramatic movement or decrease, capturing the same sense of decisive, often irreversible, action whether into a pool, a new activity, or a financial downturn.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it entered english from the anglo-french verb 'plunger' or 'plonger', meaning 'to sink or submerge'. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be from the vulgar latin 'plumbicāre', derived from latin 'plumbum' (lead), influenced by the idea of sounding depth with a lead weight.
Examples
he plunged his hands into the icy water.
the company's stock price plunged after the scandal was revealed.
she took a deep breath before her plunge from the high diving board.