plunge

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 [+adv./prep.] to move or make sb/sth move suddenly forwards and/or downwards: [V] She lost her balance and plunged 100 feet to her death. * The train left the track and plunged down the embankment. * [VN] The earthquake plunged entire towns over the edge of the cliffs. 2 [V] (of prices, temperatures, etc.) to decrease suddenly and quickly SYNPLUMMET: Stock markets plunged at the news of the coup. * This year profits plunged by 40%. 3 [V+adv./prep.] (of a road, surface, etc.) to slope steeply: The track plunged down into the valley. 4 [V] to move up and down suddenly and violently: The horse plunged and reared. * (figurative) His heart plunged (= because of a strong emotion). PHRASALVERBS plunge in