3 VERB To launch a large and important activity, for example a military attack, means to start it. □ [V n] Heavy fighting has been going on after the guerrillas had launched their offensive. □ [V n] The police have launched an investigation into the incident. ● N‑COUNT Launch is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the launch of a campaign to restore law and order.
4 VERB If a company launches a new product, it makes it available to the public. □ [V n] Crabtree & Evelyn has just launched a new jam, Worcesterberry Preserve. □ [V n] The company recently hired her as a model to launch its new range. ● N‑COUNT Launch is also a noun. □ [+ of ] The company's spending has also risen following the launch of a new Sunday magazine.
5 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A launch is a large motorboat that is used for carrying people on rivers and lakes and in harbours. □ The captain was on the deck of the launch, steadying the boat for the pilot.
▸ launch into PHRASAL VERB If you launch into something such as a speech, task, or fight, you enthusiastically start it. □ [V P n] Horrigan launched into a speech about the importance of new projects. □ [V pron-refl P n] Geoff has launched himself into fatherhood with great enthusiasm. COLLOCATIONS launch VERB
1
launch + noun : missile, rocket
3
launch + noun : assault, attack, offensive, raid; inquiry, investigation, probe; appeal, bid, campaign
4
launch + noun : product, range, service NOUN 4
noun + launch : album, book, manifesto, product SYNONYMS launch VERB
1
propeclass="underline" The rocket, attached to the spacecraft, propels it toward Mars.
fire: Soldiers fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
discharge: Lewis was tried for unlawfully and dangerously discharging a weapon.
3
open: They are now ready to open negotiations.
initiate: They wanted to initiate a discussion on economics.
instigate: Jenkinson instigated a refurbishment of the old gallery.
lau nch|ing pad (launching pads ) N‑COUNT A launching pad is the same as a launch pad .
lau nch pad (launch pads )
1 N‑COUNT A launch pad or launching pad is a platform from which rockets, missiles, or satellites are launched.
2 N‑COUNT A launch pad or launching pad is a situation, for example a job, which you can use in order to go forward to something better or more important. □ [+ for ] Wimbledon has been a launch pad for so many players.
laun|der /lɔː ndə r / (launders , laundering , laundered )
1 VERB When you launder clothes, sheets, and towels, you wash and iron them. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V n] How many guests who expect clean towels every day in an hotel launder their own every day at home?
2 VERB To launder money that has been obtained illegally means to process it through a legitimate business or to send it abroad to a foreign bank, so that when it comes back nobody knows that it was illegally obtained. □ [V n] The House voted today to crack down on banks that launder drug money. ● laun|der|er (launderers ) N‑COUNT □ …a businessman and self-described money launderer.
Laun|der|ette /lɔː ndre t/ (Launderettes ) in BRIT, also use laundrette N‑COUNT A Launderette is a place where people can pay to use machines to wash and dry their clothes. [mainly BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, usually use Laundromat
Laun|dro|mat /lɔː ndrəmæt/ (Laundromats ) N‑COUNT A Laundromat is the same as a Launderette . [AM , TRADEMARK ]
laun|dry /lɔː ndri/ (laundries )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Laundry is used to refer to clothes, sheets, and towels that are about to be washed, are being washed, or have just been washed. □ I'll do your laundry. □ [+ in ] He'd put his dirty laundry in the clothes basket.
2 N‑COUNT A laundry is a firm that washes and irons clothes, sheets, and towels for people. □ We had to have the washing done at the laundry.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A laundry or a laundry room is a room in a house, hotel, or institution where clothes, sheets, and towels are washed. □ [+ at ] He worked in the laundry at Oxford prison.
4 to wash your dirty laundry in public → see dirty
lau n|dry list (laundry lists ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a laundry list of things, you mean that it is a long list of them. □ [+ of ] …a laundry list of reasons why shareholders should reject the bid.
lau|rel /lɒ r ə l, [AM ] lɔː r-/ (laurels )
1 N‑VAR A laurel or a laurel tree is a small evergreen tree with shiny leaves. The leaves are sometimes used to make decorations such as wreaths.
2 PHRASE If someone is resting on their laurels , they appear to be satisfied with the things they have achieved and have stopped putting effort into what they are doing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The government can't rest on its laurels and must press ahead with major policy changes.
lava /lɑː və/ (lavas ) N‑VAR Lava is the very hot liquid rock that comes out of a volcano.
lava|to|rial /lævətɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lavatorial jokes or stories involve childish references to urine or faeces. [mainly BRIT ]
lava|tory /læ vətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (lavatories ) N‑COUNT A lavatory is the same as a toilet . [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ at ] …the ladies' lavatory at the University of London. □ …a public lavatory.