plunge

Everyday

1. To plunge is to jump or fall suddenly and steeply, especially into water. tree →
2. To plunge something into something is to push it in quickly and hard. tree →
3. To plunge (of prices, temperatures or numbers) is to fall suddenly by a lot. tree →
4. To plunge into an activity is to start it eagerly and with energy. tree →
5. (noun) A plunge is a sudden jump or fall, or a quick swim. tree →
6. To be plunged into darkness is to lose all light suddenly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, plunge makes action dramatic: «the car plunged off the cliff», «the room was plunged into darkness». In maths, science and news, temperatures or prices «plunge» means they drop fast, often shown on a graph. In everyday life, «take the plunge» means finally do something brave or new. Common phrases: «take the plunge», «plunge into», «plunged into darkness», «temperatures plunged», «plunge pool».

Examples

• The diver plunged into the deep pool. tree →
• The lights went out and we were plunged into darkness. tree →
• Temperatures plunged to minus ten overnight. tree →
• She plunged her hands into the warm soapy water. tree →
• After weeks of thinking, Dad took the plunge and bought a dog. tree →
• The class plunged into the art project. tree →
• The price of the toy plunged after Christmas. tree →
• The graph shows a sharp plunge in sales in March. tree →
• Once again the road was plunged in darkness. tree →

Note

Regular verb: plunged, plunging. A «plunger» is a tool for unblocking sinks and toilets. «Plunging» can describe a steep drop (a plunging cliff). In maths, a «plunge» means a sharp decrease, much bigger than a small dip.

In Jewish tradition

Job pictures God as throwing him into a pit of filth, so that even his clothes seem to hate him.

Interpretation. Job's cry is seen as honest anguish; he feels God's hand is heavy even though he is innocent.

Examples

• Yet wilt Thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me. (Writings JOB.9.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: plunged, plunging. A «plunger» is a tool for unblocking sinks and toilets. «Plunging» can describe a steep drop (a plunging cliff). In maths, a «plunge» means a sharp decrease, much bigger than a small dip.