by pushing it or allowing it to roll into the water: the town's lifeboat was launched to rescue the fishermen. - set (a newly built ship or boat) afloat for the first time, typically as part of an official ceremony: King Gustav II Adolph of Sweden launched a huge new warship. - send (a missile, satellite, or spacecraft) on its course or into orbit: they launched two Scud missiles. - [trans.] hurl (something) forcefully: she launched a tortoiseshell comb. - [with adverbial of direction] (launch oneself) (of a person) make a sudden energetic movement: I launched myself out of bed. - utter (criticism or a threat) vehemently: scores of customers launched a volley of complaints. 2 start or set in motion (an activity or enterprise): she was launching