plunge

PLUNGE, verb transitive 1. To thrust into water or other fluid substance, or into any substance that is penetrable; to immerse in a fluid; to drive into flesh, mire or earth, etc.; as, to plunge the body in water; to plunge the arm into fire or flame; to plunge a dagger into the breast.2. To thrust or drive into any state in which the thing is considered as enveloped or surrounded; as, to plunge one's self into difficulties or distress; to plunge a nation into war.3. To baptize by immersion.PLUNGE, verb intransitive To pitch; to thrust or drive one's self into water or a fluid; to dive or to rush in. He plunged into the river.The troops plunged into the stream.His courser plung'd, And threw him off; the waves whelm'd over him.1. To fall or rush into distress or any state or circumstances in which the person or thing is enveloped, inclosed or overwhelmed; as, to plunge into a gulf; to plunge into debt or embarrassments; to plunge into war; a body of cavalry plunged into the midst of the enemy.2. To pitch or throw one's self headlong.PLUNGE, noun The act of thrusting into water or any penetrable substance.1. Difficulty; strait; distress; a state of being surrounded or overwhelmed with difficulties.People when put to a plunge cry out to heaven for help.And wilt thou not reach out a friendly arm, To raise me from amidst this plunge of sorrow?[In this sense, the word is now little used.]