rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylaunchBeginning or introduction
verb / noun

launch

LAWNCH/lɔːntʃ/

The sending of something into motion.

The team launches a rocket to study Earth's atmosphere.

A Black engineer watches a small model rocket lift from a safe outdoor pad.
Etymology
launchLatinto wield a lance

From wielding a lance, the meaning developed through hurling or throwing. Setting a boat afloat was understood as throwing it onto the water, and this broadened to starting something generally.

In context

media.ccc.de61:40
it was set up to find when Russia was about to launch a nuclear war basically
James Bamford: Tell no-one

More examples

  • The product launch attracts customers from across the country.
  • We launch our canoe from the sandy shore.
  • The library launches a summer reading program in June.

Forms

launch · launches · launched · launching

launcher noun — A device that sends objects into motion.

Similar words

start
Covers any beginning, without suggesting force or a public introduction.
introduce
Emphasizes making something available or known for the first time.
propel
Emphasizes driving something forward rather than beginning its movement.