(lônch, länch) v.t.
1. To cause to move from land into water for the first time, as a ship on completion of its hull.
2. To put into the water; set afloat, as a boat or log.
3. To make a beginning of; set in motion: to launch an enterprise.
4. To start (someone) on a career, course, etc.
5. To give a start to the flight or course of, as a rocket, torpedo, or airplane.
6. To hurl or throw, as a spear.
—v.i.
7. To put or go to sea: usually with out or forth.
8. To start on a career, course, etc.
9. To begin something with vehemence or urgency; plunge: He launched into a tirade.
—to launch out
1. To strike out suddenly or wildly.
2. To be vehement or reckless.
3. To start; commence.
—noun
1. The act of launching.
2. The movement of a ship, boat, etc., from the land into the water; especially, the sliding over ways of a newly built vessel from the stocks into the water; also, the spot where a ship is built, and the tackle used in launching it.
3. The start of a bird for flight. [<AF lancher, OF lancier <lance LANCE]

(lônch, länch) noun
1. The largest of the boats carried by a warship, used for transporting men and supplies.
2. A large, open boat, propelled by steam or electricity, and used as a pleasure craft. [<Sp. lancha, prob. <Malay lanca a three–masted boat <lancār speedy]