PLUNGE, v.t. 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, &c.; 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, v.i. 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, n. 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.]
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