[lɔːn(t)ʃ], (Verb)

Definitions:
- set (a boat) in motion by pushing it or allowing it to roll into the water
(e.g: the town's lifeboat was launched to rescue the fishermen)

- start or set in motion (an activity or enterprise)
(e.g: the government is to launch a £1.25 million publicity campaign)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘hurl a missile, discharge with force’): from Anglo-Norman French launcher, variant of Old French lancier (see lance)

[lɔːn(t)ʃ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an act or instance of launching something
(e.g: the launch of a new campaign against drinking and driving)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘hurl a missile, discharge with force’): from Anglo-Norman French launcher, variant of Old French lancier (see lance)

[lɔːn(t)ʃ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a large motorboat, used especially for short trips
(e.g: she cruised the waterways on a luxury motor launch)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 17th century: from Spanish lancha ‘pinnace’, perhaps from Malay lancharan, from lanchar ‘swift, nimble’