launch¹ / lônch; länch/ • v. [tr.] 1. set (a boat) in motion by pushing it or allowing it to roll into the water: the town's lifeboat was launched to rescue the fishermen. ∎  set (a newly built ship or boat) afloat for the first time, typically as part of an official ceremony: King Gustav II Adolph of Sweden launched a huge new warship. ∎  send (a missile, satellite, or spacecraft) on its course or into orbit: they launched two Scud missiles. ∎  [tr.] hurl (something) forcefully: she launched a tortoiseshell comb. ∎  (launch oneself) (of a person) make a sudden energetic movement: I launched myself out of bed. ∎  utter (criticism or a threat) vehemently: scores of customers launched a volley of complaints.2. start or set in motion (an activity or enterprise): she was launching a campaign against ugly architecture. ∎  introduce (a new product or publication) to the public for the first time: the company has launched a software package specifically for the legal sector.• n. an act or an instance of launching something: the launch of a new campaign against drinking and driving. ∎  an occasion at which a new product or publication is introduced to the public: a book launch.PHRASAL VERBS: launch into begin (something) energetically and enthusiastically: he launched into a two-hour sales pitch.launch out make a start on a new and challenging enterprise: she wasn't brave enough to launch out by herself.launch² • n. a large motorboat, used esp. for short trips. Also called motor launch. ∎ hist. the largest boat carried on a man-of-war.

launch1 †pierce, lance; hurl, shoot; be set in motion; cause (a vessel) to move from land XIV; put out from land XVI. —AN. launcher, ONF. lancher, var. of lancier LANCE.

launch2 largest boat of a man-of-war XVII; large boat propelled by steam, etc. XIX. —Sp. lancha pinnace, perh. of Malay origin; cf. Malay lanchar quick, nimble.