launch
launch — verb
1. to start a planned activity, business, or project, or to make a new product avai
to start a planned activity, business, or project, or to make a new product available for people to buy for the first time.
Mei-Lin's company plans to launch a new app for language learners next spring.
launch + new product
The local government launched a program to help small businesses grow.
Rosa's team launched a campaign to raise money for the new library.
Before the product was launched worldwide, the designers tested it with a small group of users.
The university launched a new course in data science this semester.
文法句型
launch + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is often a company, organisation, or government. The object is typically a product, service, campaign, project, or initiative.
常見錯誤
2. to send a ship, boat, or spacecraft into the water or into space for the first t
to send a ship, boat, or spacecraft into the water or into space for the first time or on a journey.
The shipyard launched a new cargo vessel into the river last Tuesday morning.
launch + ship into water
NASA successfully launched the satellite from Cape Canaveral at dawn.
Yuki watched as the rescue boat was launched into the rough sea.
The navy launched three new submarines over the past decade.
SpaceX launched a rocket carrying supplies to the space station.
文法句型
launch + noun phrase (ship / rocket / satellite)
用法筆記
Common in news reporting about aerospace and maritime events. Frequently used with adverbial phrases indicating place or time of departure (e.g. 'from …', 'into …').
常見錯誤
3. to jump or throw oneself forward with sudden, strong force — for example, diving
to jump or throw oneself forward with sudden, strong force — for example, diving into water or lunging toward someone or something.
Oluwaseun launched himself into the pool to save the drowning child.
launch + oneself + into [place]
The cat launched itself at the bird before the bird could fly away.
Chitra launched forward to catch the falling vase just in time.
The soldier launched himself over the wall during the training exercise.
Keiko launched toward the finish line with all her remaining energy.
- lunge
implies a sudden forward movement, often aggressive; slightly less general
- spring
suggests an elastic, quick motion like a coil releasing
- hurl oneself
very similar in force; slightly more dramatic
- retreat
to move backward away from something
文法句型
launch + (oneself) + preposition (into / at / toward / off)
用法筆記
Reflexive object (oneself/himself/herself/itself) is optional but common. Always followed by a preposition or adverb indicating direction.
常見錯誤
launch — noun
1. a special event where a new product, service, or project is shown to the public
a special event where a new product, service, or project is shown to the public for the first time.
Pablo attended the launch of the new electric car in Taipei last month.
the launch of + [product]
The company spent millions on the launch of their new smartphone.
There was a big party at the hotel for the launch of the fashion brand.
The product launch attracted journalists from all over the world.
Ana helped organise the launch for a new line of organic skincare products.
- debut
often refers to the first public appearance of a person, performance, or product; slightly more artistic or cultural
- release
focuses on the product becoming available rather than the event itself
- introduction
more general; less emphasis on a special event
文法句型
the launch of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used as a compound modifier: 'product launch', 'launch event', 'launch party'. Countable — you can have multiple launches.
2. the moment or ceremony when a ship enters the water for the first time, or when
the moment or ceremony when a ship enters the water for the first time, or when a spacecraft is sent into space for the first time.
Thousands of people gathered at the port to watch the launch of the new cruise ship.
the launch of + [ship]
The launch of the satellite was delayed due to bad weather.
Guo watched the rocket launch live on television with his classmates.
The ship's launch was broadcast on national news channels.
The submarine launch took place at a naval base in the south.
- maiden voyage
refers to the first journey, not the act of entering the water
- lift-off
specific to rockets and spacecraft; more dramatic
文法句型
the launch of + (ship / spacecraft)
用法筆記
Countable noun — each ship, submarine, or spacecraft has its own launch. Distinguish from sense 1 (a product event) by domain: sense 2 involves physical vessels or vehicles.
3. a medium-sized boat with an engine, used for carrying passengers over short dist
a medium-sized boat with an engine, used for carrying passengers over short distances on rivers, lakes, or between a larger ship and the shore.
A small launch carried the passengers from the cruise ship to the island pier.
launch as a type of boat
The harbour master used a motor launch to patrol the docks each evening.
Wei rented a launch to take his family across the lake for the picnic.
The old wooden launch sat quietly tied to the dock all afternoon.
A police launch sped across the river toward the accident site.
文法句型
a / the + launch
用法筆記
Much less common than other senses. Typically used in nautical contexts or travel writing. Not to be confused with 'launch' meaning an event (noun sense 1).