plunge etymology

Etymology:

The word "plunge" comes from the Middle English word "plongen," which is derived from Old French "plongier," meaning "to sink or dive." The ultimate origin is the Latin verb "plumbō," meaning "to leaden." This is because lead is heavy and sinks easily.

Meaning:

  • To fall or dive suddenly into water or another liquid.
  • To thrust or push something into a liquid.
  • To immerse or submerge oneself into something.
  • To enter or engage in something with great enthusiasm or force.
  • To undergo a sudden and dramatic change.

Origin:

The word "plumbō" is related to the Latin word "plumbum," which means "lead." Lead is a heavy metal that sinks in water. This is why the word "plunge" came to be associated with sinking or diving.

In the 14th century, the word "plongen" began to be used in English to describe the action of diving into water. It was also used figuratively to mean "to enter into something with great enthusiasm." Over time, the word evolved into the modern word "plunge," which has a wider range of meanings.

plunge relate terms

  • plumb

    Etymology The word plumb has two distinct etymologies Latin From the Latin word pl

  • plunger

    Etymology Latin plungere to plunge dip sink Proto Indo European pleu nǵʰ to

  • plunge

    Etymology The word plunge comes from the Middle English word plongen which is deriv

  • launch

    Etymology Old French lanchier lancier Vulgar Latin lanceāre Classical Latin lance

  • dive

    Etymology The word dive has two distinct etymologies From Middle English diven m

  • steep

    Etymology The word steep comes from the Old English word stēap which means high

  • merge

    Etymology The study of the origin development and changes in words including their his

  • immersion

    Etymology The word immersion comes from the Latin word immergere meaning to plunge

  • flounce

    Etymology The word flounce has uncertain origins but it is believed to be derived fr

  • rivet

    Etymology Old Norman French rivét Latin rivāre to rivet to fix Proto Indo Europe

  • descend

    Etymology Old French descendre Latin descendere De down scandere to climb Me

  • focus

    Etymology Latin focus hearth fireplace Proto Indo European bhew k to shine M