launch

1.nounC1

Definition

A special event organised to celebrate the first public appearance of a new product, service, book, or creative work.

Example

The publisher invited over a hundred guests to the launch of Mira's cookbook.

collocation: launch of + [creative work]

Gabriela spent six months organising the launch of her fashion brand in Taipei.

Common collocations

book launch
product launch
app launch
album launch
launch event
launch party

Synonyms

unveiling
More formal and dramatic, often used for cars or tech products
debut
Refers to the first appearance of a creative work such as a film or album
release
Focuses on making the product available, not the celebratory event

Usage Note

Often used as a compound noun before another noun: product launch, book launch, app launch.

2.nounC1

Definition

The moment a newly built vessel enters the sea for its maiden voyage, or a rocket carrying a satellite or crew lifts off from the ground toward space.

Example

Thousands of spectators gathered at the port to watch the launch of the new ferry.

collocation: launch of + [ship]

The launch of the weather satellite was broadcast live on national television.

collocation: launch of + [satellite]

Common collocations

rocket launch
satellite launch
ship launch
vessel launch
launch site
launch pad

Synonyms

lift-off
Refers specifically to the moment a spacecraft leaves the ground
blast-off
Informal term for the start of a rocket's journey
take-off
Used for aircraft, not ships or spacecraft

Antonyms

landing
The opposite end of a journey for a spacecraft
docking
The opposite end of a journey for a ship entering port

Common Mistakes

The rocket launch was postponed because of a computer error.' (correct)

Same

this usage is fine. The mistake learners make is confusing 'launch' with 'lift-off': lift-off is the moment the rocket leaves the ground, while launch covers the whole process from countdown onwards.

3.nounB1

Definition

A motor-powered boat used to carry passengers over short distances, often between a larger ship and the shore or across a river or lake.

Example

A motor launch carried passengers from the cruise ship to the small island.

compound noun: motor launch

The lake patrol used a fast launch to check fishing permits every weekend.

Common collocations

motor launch
patrol launch
passenger launch
rent a launch

Synonyms

motorboat
A broader term for any boat with a motor; launch is a specific subtype
tender
A small boat that ferries people between a larger ship and the shore

Usage Note

This sense (a type of boat) is far less common than the other noun senses. Learners at B1 level may encounter it in travel or nautical contexts. Avoid confusing with the verb senses.

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2

Definition

To set a major plan or project in motion — for example, beginning a marketing campaign, opening a new business, or introducing a newly developed item to buyers.

Example

The company plans to launch a new electric scooter next spring.

collocation: launch a product

Tamar launched a campaign to raise money for the local library.

collocation: launch a campaign

Common collocations

launch a product
launch a campaign
launch an investigation
launch an initiative
launch a programme
launch an attack
launch a business

Synonyms

start
More general; can be used for any beginning, large or small
initiate
More formal, often used in official or procedural contexts
debut
Used specifically for the first public appearance of a product or performance
roll out
Phrasal verb; suggests a gradual introduction across multiple locations or stages

Antonyms

cancel
To decide that a planned activity will not happen
scrap
Informal; to abandon a plan or project entirely

Grammar Patterns

launch + noun phrase

launch + noun phrase + into + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently takes objects like campaign, investigation, product, initiative, scheme, programme, attack. When used intransitively, often with 'into': 'She launched into a long explanation.'

Common Mistakes

The company launched a new project last week, and it was just a small one.' (too informal for this sense)

The company launched a new project last week.

'launch' implies something organised and significant, so adding 'just a small one' creates a contradiction.

2.verbtransitiveC1

Definition

To propel a vessel, spacecraft, rocket, or missile outward into its operating environment — a ship into the sea, a rocket beyond the atmosphere, or a weapon toward a target.

Example

NASA launched a rover towards Mars aboard a powerful rocket.

passive: be launched from/into/towards

The shipyard launched the new aircraft carrier after five years of construction.

collocation: launch a ship / launch a vessel

Common collocations

launch a satellite
launch a rocket
launch a spacecraft
launch a missile
launch a ship
launch a vessel
launch into orbit
launch from

Synonyms

send up
Informal phrasal verb, mainly for rockets and spacecraft
fire
Used for missiles and projectiles; suggests a sudden release
blast off
Informal intransitive phrasal verb for spacecraft departing

Antonyms

recover
To bring back a spacecraft or object that was sent out
recall
To order a ship or vehicle to return

Grammar Patterns

launch + noun phrase

launch + noun phrase + into + noun phrase

be launched from + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often used in the passive voice ('was launched from') in news reporting. Distinguish from sense 1 (BEGIN): sense 2 involves physically propelling an object, not starting an activity.

Common Mistakes

The army launched a new attack at dawn.' (if meaning a military assault, this is sense 1)

The army launched a missile at dawn.

Use sense 2 for physical objects like missiles, rockets, spacecraft, and ships. Use sense 1 for activities like campaigns and attacks.

3.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2

Definition

To jump or spring forward with a sudden burst of energy, or to throw your body forcefully in a particular direction.

Example

The diver launched herself off the ten-metre platform and into the pool.

pattern: launch + oneself + off/into/across

Kemi launched herself across the gym floor to save the ball from going out.

Common collocations

launch oneself
launch forward
launch into
launch off
launch across

Synonyms

spring
Suggests a quick, elastic movement upward or forward; often used for animals
leap
Emphasises height or distance covered in the jump
pounce
Specifically means to jump onto something suddenly, as a predator does

Antonyms

land
To come down after a jump or movement
settle
To come to rest gently after movement

Grammar Patterns

launch + reflexive pronoun + prepositional phrase

launch into + noun phrase

launch forward

Usage Note

Usually takes a reflexive pronoun (launch oneself/himself/itself) followed by a prepositional phrase indicating direction. The 'launch into' pattern can extend metaphorically to starting an activity with energy (e.g. 'launch into a speech').

Phrasal verbs

launch into

phrasal verb

To start doing something with great energy and enthusiasm.

Mia launched into a detailed explanation of her research project.

Without waiting for questions, Diego launched into his speech.

launch out

phrasal verb

To start a new and often risky activity or venture.

After years of planning, they launched out on their own business.

Sara decided to launch out into freelance photography.

launch yourself into

phrasal verb

To start doing something with a lot of energy and determination.

He launched himself into learning Mandarin before the trip.

Aiden launched himself into the project with great enthusiasm.

Word family

launcher
nounC1
launching
nounC1
relaunch
verbC1
launchpad
nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe beginning something, but they differ in scope and context. 'Start' is the most general and can be used for anything from a car engine to a new job. 'Initiate' is more formal and suggests an official process, such as initiating legal proceedings or negotiations. 'Launch' implies something more ambitious and organised — you launch a campaign, a product, or a company, but not a conversation or a meal. 'Debut' is narrower and refers specifically to the first public appearance of a creative work or performer. 'Roll out' is a phrasal verb that suggests a gradual or stage-by-stage introduction, often across multiple locations. For example, a tech company might launch a new phone globally but roll it out across different countries over several weeks.

start ↗initiate ↗debut ↗roll out

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

launch pad
launch site
launch window

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'launch' comes from the Old French word 'lanchier' meaning 'to throw or hurl,' which in turn came from the Late Latin 'lanceare' (to use a lance), derived from the Latin noun 'lancea' (a light spear). The original image was of throwing a spear-like object through the air. Over time, the meaning broadened from the physical act of throwing to the launching of ships (setting them afloat) and later to sending spacecraft into the sky. The modern sense of 'beginning an activity or introducing a product' is a further metaphorical extension from this physical origin.

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launch

launch — noun

1. A special event organised to celebrate the first public appearance of a new prod

Usage Note

2. The moment a newly built vessel enters the sea for its maiden voyage, or a rocke

Common Mistakes

3. A motor-powered boat used to carry passengers over short distances, often betwee

Usage Note

launch — verb

1. To set a major plan or project in motion — for example, beginning a marketing ca

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. To propel a vessel, spacecraft, rocket, or missile outward into its operating en

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

3. To jump or spring forward with a sudden burst of energy, or to throw your body f

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

launch into

launch out

launch yourself into

Word family

Synonym discussion

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

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