publication) to the public for the first time: the company has launched a software package specifically for the legal sector. # n. an act or an instance of launching something: the launch of a new campaign against drinking and driving. an occasion at which a new product or publication is introduced to the public: a book launch. # launch into begin (something) energetically and enthusiastically: he launched into a two-hour sales pitch. # launch out make a start on a new and challenging enterprise: she wasn't brave enough to launch out by herself. Middle English (in the sense 'hurl a missile, discharge with force'): from Anglo-Norman French launcher, variant