Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLUNGE, v.t. [Fr. plonger; Arm. plungea or plugein; W. plwng, a plunge, from the same root as llwnc or llwng, the gullet, a gulp or swallow; probably connected with luncheon.]

1. To thrust into water or other fluid substance, or into any substance that is penetrable; to immerse in a fluid; to drive into flesh, mire or earth, &c.; as, to plunge the body in water; to plunge the arm into fire or flame; to plunge a dagger into the breast. – Milton. Dryden.
2. To thrust or drive into any state in which the thing is considered as enveloped or surrounded; as, to plunge one's self into difficulties or distress; to plunge a nation into war.
3. To baptize by immersion.