launch
launch — noun
1. A special event organised to celebrate the first public appearance of a new prod
A special event organised to celebrate the first public appearance of a new product, service, book, or creative work.
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.
The product launch included live demonstrations and interviews with the design team.
More than three thousand people attended the app launch at the convention centre.
用法筆記
Often used as a compound noun before another noun: product launch, book launch, app launch.
2. The moment a newly built vessel enters the sea for its maiden voyage, or a rocke
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.
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]
Strong winds forced the team to delay the rocket launch until Thursday morning.
A military band played during the ceremony for the launch of the navy's newest destroyer.
常見錯誤
3. A motor-powered boat used to carry passengers over short distances, often betwee
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.
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.
Sahil rented a motor launch to take his family across the harbour for a picnic.
The launch could carry up to twenty passengers across the river in ten minutes.
用法筆記
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.
launch — verb
1. To set a major plan or project in motion — for example, beginning a marketing ca
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.
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
The police launched an investigation into the robbery the same afternoon.
Felipe launched his own restaurant after working as a chef for ten years.
The charity launched a programme to teach coding to teenagers in rural areas.
- 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
文法句型
launch + noun phrase
launch + noun phrase + into + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently takes objects like campaign, investigation, product, initiative, scheme, programme, attack. When used intransitively, often with 'into': 'She launched into a long explanation.'
常見錯誤
2. To propel a vessel, spacecraft, rocket, or missile outward into its operating en
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.
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
Japan launched a spy satellite into orbit early this morning.
The submarine launched a missile during the joint military exercise.
文法句型
launch + noun phrase
launch + noun phrase + into + noun phrase
be launched from + noun phrase
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
3. To jump or spring forward with a sudden burst of energy, or to throw your body f
To jump or spring forward with a sudden burst of energy, or to throw your body forcefully in a particular direction.
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.
The cat launched itself at the bird feeder, scattering seed everywhere.
Walid launched into a sprint the moment the starting gun fired.
文法句型
launch + reflexive pronoun + prepositional phrase
launch into + noun phrase
launch forward
用法筆記
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').