Browse all

plunge into

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To jump suddenly into something — water, a topic, or a difficult situation

Literal meaning: To thrust something downward into a substance

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To jump or fall suddenly into water or a liquid

"The diver plunged into the clear blue water from the high cliff."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To start an activity or discussion with great energy and commitment

"He plunged into the research with an enthusiasm his colleagues found exhausting."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic formal

To cause something or someone to suddenly enter a bad or chaotic situation

"The sudden resignation of the prime minister plunged the country into political uncertainty."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Versatile and vivid. Used for physical entry into water, enthusiastic engagement in activities, and also for crises (a country plunged into chaos). The transitive use ('the blackout plunged the city into darkness') is common in journalism.

Commonly used with

darkness chaos debt despair work conversation water crisis

Forms

Base
plunge into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plunges into
he/she/it
Past simple
plunged into
yesterday
Past participle
plunged into
have + pp
-ing form
plunging into
continuous

Understand "plunge into" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "plunge into" on Looplines