launch
♦♦ launch /l'ɔːntʃ/ (launches launching launched)
1 [VERB] V n, V n
To launch a rocket, missile, or satellite means to send it into the air or into space.
NASA plans to launch a satellite to study cosmic rays...
A Delta II rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral early this morning.
[N-VAR]
Launch is also a noun.
This morning's launch of the space shuttle Columbia has been delayed.
2 [VERB] V n
To launch a ship or a boat means to put it into water, often for the first time after it has been built.
There was no time to launch the lifeboats because the ferry capsized with such alarming speed.
[N-COUNT] usu with poss
Launch is also a noun.
The launch of a ship was a big occasion.
3 [VERB] V n, V n
To launch a large and important activity, for example a military attack, means to start it.
Heavy fighting has been going on after the guerrillas had launched their offensive...
The police have launched an investigation into the incident...
[N-COUNT] oft N of n
Launch is also a noun.
...the launch of a campaign to restore law and order.
4 [VERB] V n, V n
If a company launches a new product, it makes it available to the public.
Crabtree & Evelyn has just launched a new jam, Worcesterberry Preserve...
Marks & Spencer recently hired model Linda Evangelista to launch its new range.
[N-COUNT] oft N of n
Launch is also a noun.
The company's spending has also risen following the launch of a new Sunday magazine.
5 [N-COUNT] also by N
A launch is a large motorboat that is used for carrying people on rivers and lakes and in harbours.
The captain was on the deck of the launch, steadying the boat for the pilot...launch into
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V pron-refl P n
If you launch into something such as a speech, task, or fight, you enthusiastically start it.
Horrigan launched into a speech about the importance of new projects...
Geoff has launched himself into fatherhood with great enthusiasm.launch pad (launch pads)
1 [N-COUNT]
A launch pad or launching pad is a platform from which rockets, missiles, or satellites are launched.
2 [N-COUNT]
A launch pad or launching pad is a situation, for example a job, which you can use in order to go forward to something better or more important.
Wimbledon has been a launch pad for so many players...
= stepping stone
1 [VERB] V n, V n
To launch a rocket, missile, or satellite means to send it into the air or into space.
NASA plans to launch a satellite to study cosmic rays...
A Delta II rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral early this morning.
[N-VAR]
Launch is also a noun.
This morning's launch of the space shuttle Columbia has been delayed.
2 [VERB] V n
To launch a ship or a boat means to put it into water, often for the first time after it has been built.
There was no time to launch the lifeboats because the ferry capsized with such alarming speed.
[N-COUNT] usu with poss
Launch is also a noun.
The launch of a ship was a big occasion.
3 [VERB] V n, V n
To launch a large and important activity, for example a military attack, means to start it.
Heavy fighting has been going on after the guerrillas had launched their offensive...
The police have launched an investigation into the incident...
[N-COUNT] oft N of n
Launch is also a noun.
...the launch of a campaign to restore law and order.
4 [VERB] V n, V n
If a company launches a new product, it makes it available to the public.
Crabtree & Evelyn has just launched a new jam, Worcesterberry Preserve...
Marks & Spencer recently hired model Linda Evangelista to launch its new range.
[N-COUNT] oft N of n
Launch is also a noun.
The company's spending has also risen following the launch of a new Sunday magazine.
5 [N-COUNT] also by N
A launch is a large motorboat that is used for carrying people on rivers and lakes and in harbours.
The captain was on the deck of the launch, steadying the boat for the pilot...launch into
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V pron-refl P n
If you launch into something such as a speech, task, or fight, you enthusiastically start it.
Horrigan launched into a speech about the importance of new projects...
Geoff has launched himself into fatherhood with great enthusiasm.launch pad (launch pads)
1 [N-COUNT]
A launch pad or launching pad is a platform from which rockets, missiles, or satellites are launched.
2 [N-COUNT]
A launch pad or launching pad is a situation, for example a job, which you can use in order to go forward to something better or more important.
Wimbledon has been a launch pad for so many players...
= stepping stone