Definition of: plunge

(plunj) v. plunged, plung·ing v.t.
1. To thrust or force suddenly into a fluid, penetrable substance, hole, etc.
2. To force into some condition or state: to plunge a nation into debt.
—v.i.
3. To dive, jump, or fall into a fluid, chasm, etc.
4. To move suddenly or with a rush: to plunge through a door.
5. To move violently forward and downward, as a horse or ship.
6. To descend abruptly or steeply, as a road or cliff.
7. Colloq. To gamble or speculate heavily and recklessly. See synonyms under IMMERSE.
—noun
1. The act of plunging; a leap; dive.
2. A sudden and violent motion, as of a breaking wave.
3. A place, tank, or pool for diving or swimming.
4. An extravagant or reckless bet or speculation. [<OF plunjer, ult. <L plumbum lead]