with obj.
1
- set (a boat) in motion by pushing it or allowing it to roll into the water使（船）下水：
the town's lifeboat was launched to rescue the fishermen.
镇上的救生艇被送下水营救渔民。
1.1
- set (a newly built ship or boat) afloat for the first time, typically as part of an official ceremony使（新船）初次下水：
the ship was launched in 1843 by Prince Albert.
这艘船是1843年由阿尔伯特亲王主持下水的。
1.2
- send (a missile, satellite, or spacecraft) on its course or into orbit发射（人造卫星、导弹或航天器）：
they launched two Scud missiles.
他们发射了两枚飞毛腿导弹。
1.3
- with obj. and adverbial of direction hurl (something) forcefully投掷：
a chair was launched at him.
一把椅子向他扔了过来。
1.4
- with adverbial of direction
launch oneself
(of a person) make a sudden energetic movement（人）猛然一动, 蓦地弹起： I launched myself out of bed.
我猛地跳下床。
1.5
- utter (criticism or a threat) vehemently猛烈地批评; 强硬地威胁：
he launched a biting attack on BBC chiefs.
他尖锐地批评了英国广播公司的头儿们。
2
- start or set in motion (an activity or enterprise)开始（某一活动）; 创办（企业）; 使…开始运作：
the government is to launch a £1.25 million publicity campaign.
政府准备发起一场耗资125万英镑的宣传运动。
2.1
- introduce (a new product or publication) to the public for the first time推出（新产品, 出版物）：
two new Ford models are to be launched in the US next year.
福特明年将在美国推出两款新车。
1
- an act or an instance of launching something发射, 发起：
the launch of a new campaign against drinking and driving.
又一次反酒后驾车运动的发起。
1.1
- an occasion at which a new product or publication is introduced to the public（新产品, 出版物）发布会, 推介会：
a book launch.
新书发布会。
词源
Middle English （in the sense 'hurl a missile， discharge with force'）： from Anglo-Norman French launcher, variant of Old French lancier （see LANCE）.
短语动词
launch into
- begin (something) energetically and enthusiastically（积极热情地）开始, 着手：
he launched into a two-hour sales pitch.
他发动了一场两小时的销售宣传。
launch out
- make a start on a new and challenging enterprise开创, 启动（新而难的事）：
she wasn't brave enough to launch out by herself.
她没有勇气独自开辟新天地。