C1verb2K

Plunge

UK /["/plʌndʒ/","/ˈplʌndʒɪz/","/plʌndʒd/","/ˈplʌndʒɪŋ/"]/US /["/plʌndʒ/","/ˈplʌndʒɪz/","/plʌndʒd/","/ˈplʌndʒɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to move or make somebody/something move suddenly forwards and/or downwards

In simple words: To dive or fall suddenly into something.

Examples

  • She lost her balance and plunged 100 feet to her death.
  • The train left the track and plunged down the embankment.
  • The earthquake plunged entire towns over the edge of the cliffs.
  • He plunged from a tenth floor window.
  • The car plunged headlong into the river.
  • Stock markets plunged at the news of the coup.
  • This year profits plunged by 40 per cent.
  • The track plunged down into the valley.
  • The horse plunged and reared.
  • His heart plunged *(= because of a strong emotion)*.

Usage notes

Used when describing a sudden movement downwards, often in a physical context. Can be metaphorical, as in 'to plunge into a project', but avoid in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

plunge + object

Memory hint

Think of 'plunge' as 'dive into a sponge' — soft on impact but sudden.

Collocations

  • ahead
  • back
  • downwards/​downward
  • down
  • from
  • into
  • plunge to your death

Synonyms

  • dive
  • descend
  • drop
  • fall
  • sink

Antonyms

  • rise
  • ascend
  • float

Common mistakes

  • 'Plunge' is sometimes mistakenly used as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Learners may confuse 'plunge' with 'jump', not recognizing the suddenness implied.
  • Overusing 'plunge' in contexts where a gentler word like 'enter' would be more fitting.