Launch vs. Lunge: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Launch refers to starting or initiating something, like a project or spacecraft, while Lunge refers to a sudden forward movement, often for attack or exercise.
Key Differences
Launch means to start or initiate something, often used in contexts like launching a new product, initiating a project, or sending a spacecraft into space. It involves the beginning of an action or the act of setting something into motion, implying preparation and execution. Lunge, on the other hand, is a sudden forward movement made with a specific purpose, such as attacking in fencing or performing an exercise. It typically involves a quick, forceful motion, often emphasizing physical effort or suddenness.
While launch focuses on the initiation of an event or action, lunge is about the physical act of moving forward quickly. Launch is used in broader, often metaphorical contexts, such as business or space exploration, whereas lunge is more literal, relating to physical actions in sports or exercise.
In terms of usage, launch can be metaphorical, like launching a career or idea, whereas lunge remains literal, describing a specific type of movement. The two terms are distinct in meaning and application, with launch being more about starting and lunge about moving forcefully.
Launch involves strategic planning and execution, often seen in professional or technical fields. Lunge is more spontaneous, involving quick physical action, seen in contexts requiring agility or quick response.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To start or initiate something
A sudden forward movement
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Contexts
Business, space exploration, projects
Sports, exercise, attacks
Connotation
Planned, strategic
Sudden, forceful
Usage
Metaphorical and literal
Primarily literal
Physical Involvement
Minimal or none
High, involves physical movement
Launch and Lunge Definitions
Launch
To set something into motion.
She decided to launch her own business after years of planning.
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Lunge
A sudden forward movement, often to attack or reach.
The fencer made a swift lunge towards his opponent.
Launch
To introduce something to the public.
The company launched a new advertising campaign.
Lunge
A physical exercise involving stepping forward.
She performed lunges to strengthen her legs.
Launch
To throw or propel with force; hurl
Launch a spear.
Lunge
To move forward suddenly and forcefully.
The dog lunged at the stranger passing by.
Launch
To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion
Launch a rocket.
Launch a torpedo.
Lunge
A rapid movement typically used in combat or defense.
He lunged with his sword, aiming for the target.
Launch
(Nautical) To put (a boat) into the water in readiness for use.
Lunge
A sudden thrust or pass, as with a sword.
Launch
To set going; initiate
Launch a career.
Launch a business venture.
Lunge
A sudden forward movement or plunge.
Launch
To introduce to the public or to a market
Launched the new perfume with prime-time commercials on the major networks.
Lunge
To make a sudden thrust or pass.
Launch
To give (someone) a start, as in a career or vocation.
Lunge
To move with a sudden thrust.
Launch
To begin a new venture or phase; embark
Launch forth on a dangerous mission.
Launched out on her own after college.
Lunge
To cause (someone) to lunge.
Launch
To enter enthusiastically into something; plunge
Launched into a description of the movie.
Lunge
A sudden forward movement, especially with a sword.
Launch
The act of launching.
Lunge
A long rope or flat web line, more commonly referred to as a lunge line, approximately 20–30 feet long, attached to the bridle, lungeing cavesson, or halter of a horse and used to control the animal while lungeing.
Launch
A large ship's boat.
Lunge
An exercise performed by stepping forward one leg while kneeling with the other leg, then returning to a standing position.
Launch
A large, open motorboat.
Lunge
A fish, the namaycush.
Launch
(transitive) To throw (a projectile such as a lance, dart or ball); to hurl; to propel with force.
Lunge
(ambitransitive) To (cause to) make a sudden forward movement (present participle: lunging).
I lunged at the police officer and made a grab for her gun.
Launch
To pierce with, or as with, a lance.
Lunge
(transitive) To longe or work a horse in a circle around a handler (present participle: lunging or lungeing).
Launch
(transitive) To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land or a larger vessel into the water; to set afloat.
The navy launched another ship.
Lunge
A sudden thrust or pass, as with a sword.
Launch
(transitive) To cause (a rocket, balloon, etc., or the payload thereof) to begin its flight upward from the ground.
NASA launched several unmanned rockets before launching any of the Mercury astronauts.
Lunge
Same as Namaycush.
Launch
(transitive) To send out; to start (someone) on a mission or project; to give a start to (something); to put in operation
Our business launched a new project.
Lunge
To make a lunge.
Launch
To start (a program or feature); to execute or bring into operation.
Double-click an icon to launch the associated application.
Lunge
To cause to go round in a ring, as a horse, while holding his halter.
Launch
(transitive) To release; to put onto the market for sale
Lunge
The act of moving forward suddenly
Launch
(intransitive) Of a ship, rocket, balloon, etc.: to depart on a voyage; to take off.
Lunge
Make a thrusting forward movement
Launch
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to begin.
To launch into an argument or discussion
To launch into lavish expenditures
Lunge
A movement in sports to reach for an object.
The tennis player lunged to hit the ball.
Launch
To start to operate.
After clicking the icon, the application will launch.
Launch
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)
Launch
The act or fact of launching (a ship/vessel, a project, a new book, etc.).
Launch
An event held to celebrate the launch of a ship/vessel, project, a new book, etc.; a launch party.
Product launch
Book launch
Launch
(nautical) The boat of the largest size and/or of most importance belonging to a ship of war, and often called the "captain's boat" or "captain's launch".
Launch
(nautical) A boat used to convey guests to and from a yacht.
Launch
(nautical) An open boat of any size powered by steam, petrol, electricity, etc.
Launch
To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.
Launch
To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce.
Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
Launch
To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to set afloat; as, to launch a ship.
With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship,And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep.
Launch
To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or enterprise.
All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch presbytery in England.
Launch
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures; - often with out.
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths.
Launch
The act of launching.
Launch
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built.
Launch
The boat of the largest size belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like.
Launch
A motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
Launch
The act of propelling with force
Launch
Set up or found;
She set up a literacy program
Launch
Propel with force;
Launch the space shuttle
Launch a ship
Launch
Launch for the first time; launch on a maiden voyage;
Launch a ship
Launch
Begin with vigor;
He launched into a long diatribe
She plunged into a dangerous adventure
Launch
Get going; give impetus to;
Launch a career
Her actions set in motion a complicated judicial process
Launch
Smoothen the surface of;
Float plaster
Launch
To start or initiate an event or project.
They will launch the new product next month.
Launch
To send a spacecraft or missile into motion.
NASA plans to launch the satellite by the end of the year.
Launch
To embark on a new venture.
He launched a career in acting after moving to Los Angeles.
FAQs
What does lunge mean?
Lunge refers to a sudden forward movement, often for attack or exercise.
What does launch mean?
Launch means to start or initiate something, such as a project or product.
Is lunge used metaphorically?
No, lunge is typically used in a literal sense to describe physical movement.
What are common contexts for launch?
Common contexts include business, space exploration, and projects.
Can launch refer to physical movement?
Rarely, launch is mostly used to describe starting actions or events.
Is launch used in space terminology?
Yes, launch is commonly used to describe sending spacecraft into space.
Does lunge require physical effort?
Yes, lunge involves significant physical effort and quick movement.
Can launch be used in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, launch can be used metaphorically, such as launching a career or idea.
What are common contexts for lunge?
Common contexts include sports, exercise, and combat.
Is lunge used in fitness?
Yes, lunge is a common exercise to strengthen the legs and core.
Does lunge have a suddenness element?
Yes, lunging typically involves a quick and sudden motion.
Can you launch an event?
Yes, you can launch an event by starting or initiating it.
Does launch imply planning?
Yes, launch usually implies planning and preparation.
Can lunge refer to starting something?
No, lunge specifically refers to a type of physical movement.
Does launch have a strategic element?
Yes, launching something often involves strategy and execution.
What is a lunge in sports?
In sports, a lunge is a quick forward movement to reach or attack.
Does launch involve minimal physical activity?
Yes, launch usually involves minimal or no physical activity.
What is a launch in business?
In business, a launch refers to the introduction of a new product or service.
Is a lunge a type of exercise?
Yes, a lunge is a common exercise used to improve strength and flexibility.
Can you lunge at someone?
Yes, lunging at someone means making a sudden forward movement towards them.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
