launch
1   /lɔntʃ, lɑntʃ/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [lawnch, lahnch] Show IPA
–verb (used with object)
1. to set (a boat or ship) in the water.
2. to float (a newly constructed boat or ship) usually by allowing to slide down inclined ways into the water.
3. to send forth, catapult, or release, as a self-propelled vehicle or weapon: Rockets were launched midway in the battle. The submarine launched its torpedoes and dived rapidly.
4. to start (a person) on a course, career, etc.
5. to set going; initiate: to launch a scheme.
6. to throw; hurl: to launch a spear.
7. to start (a new venture) or promote (a new product): They launched a new breakfast cereal.
8. Computers. to start (a software program).
–verb (used without object)
9. to burst out or plunge boldly or directly into action, speech, etc.
10. to start out or forth; push out or put forth on the water.
–noun
11. the act of launching.
Origin:
1300–50; late ME launche < AF lancher < LL lanceāre to wield a lance; see lance 1