Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sudden forward movement or thrust: A quick, forceful movement of the body or a weapon forward, often as an attack.
   • (Fencing) A specific attacking move: An offensive thrust in fencing made with the front foot stepping forward, the back leg straight, and the sword arm extended.

2. Verb:

   • To make a sudden forward movement: To move or thrust the body or an object forward quickly and forcefully, typically to attack or reach something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The fencer practiced her lunge repeatedly.
  • With a sudden lunge, the cat caught the mouse.
• Verb:
  • The boxer lunged at his opponent.
  • She lunged forward to catch the falling vase.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a lunge for something/someone": To suddenly move forward in an attempt to grab or attack.
  • He made a lunge for the door, but it was too late.
• "A lunge line": A long rope or rein used in training a horse, typically in a circular pattern (This is a specific compound term).
  • The trainer worked the horse on a lunge line.

Variants and Related Words

• Lunging (present participle/gerund): The act of performing a lunge.
  • The lunging motion is common in fencing and fitness exercises.
• Lunger (noun, informal): One who lunges.
• Lunge (noun, Equestrianism): The area or act of training a horse in a circle on a long line. (Note: This is a distinct, specialized meaning).

Synonyms

• Noun: Thrust, dive, pounce, rush.
• Verb: Thrust, dive, pounce, charge, leap.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Lunge" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The action is typically expressed as "lunge at/for/toward.") - Lunge at: To make a sudden forward movement directed at someone or something. - The dog lunged at the stranger. - Lunge for: To make a sudden forward movement in an attempt to grab or reach something. - He lunged for the last piece of cake.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "lunge." Its use is typically literal.)

Noun

1. (fencing) an attacking thrust made with one foot forward and the back leg straight and with the sword arm outstretched forward
2. the act of moving forward suddenly

Verb

1. make a thrusting forward movement