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Lunged

/lʌndʒd/

verbB1past tense

Definition

Lunged describes a fast, sudden movement forward, usually with the body or part of the body like an arm or leg. People often lunge when trying to reach or attack something quickly, or to catch balance.

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See It in Action

To move forward suddenly and quickly, often to attack or reach something

  • •The cat lunged at the toy mouse.
  • •He lunged forward to catch the falling ball.
  • •During the fight, she lunged to grab her opponent’s arm.

In exercise, a movement where one leg steps forward and bends, used to strengthen muscles

  • •She lunged across the room as part of her workout.
  • •Lunged exercises help build leg strength.

Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "lunged" like "jump" (A1 word), but instead of going up, you move forward very fast and suddenly.
  • ✓Picture a person quickly stepping forward with one leg stretched out, like reaching for something just out of reach.
  • ✓It feels like the moment when you suddenly try to catch a falling object or stop yourself from falling.
  • ✓Sounds like "lunge" → imagine a large "lunge" step that pushes you forward suddenly.
  • ✓Think of a fencer in a sport who quickly moves forward to touch the opponent with a sword.
  • ✓NOT like "walk" (slow, calm movement), lunging is fast and sudden.
  • ✓NOT like "push" (using hands or force), lunging is moving your whole body forward quickly.
  • ✓NOT like "run" (continuous fast movement), lunging is a single quick forward move.

Try Other Words

  • •Darted: moved quickly and suddenly (Use when the movement is very fast and sharp)
  • •Thrust: pushed or moved forward forcefully (Use when emphasizing force or power)
  • •Charged: moved forward quickly, often to attack (Use in aggressive or strong movement contexts)
  • •Stepped forward: moved forward with one step (Use when the movement is less sudden or forceful)

Unboxing

  • •Word parts: root "lunge" + past tense suffix "-ed"
  • •Etymology: From Middle English "longen," meaning to thrust or make a sudden forward movement
  • •Historical development: Originally used for sudden forward movements, especially in fighting or sport, since the 1500s
  • •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe quick forward movements in sports, fights, or sudden actions

Reflect & Connect

•When might lunging be helpful or dangerous in everyday life?
•How does lunging differ from other fast movements like running or jumping in sports or self-defense?

Fill in the blanks

1.The dog lunged ___ the stranger because it felt scared and protective.
2.She lunged forward with her arm ___ to grab the falling glass.
3.Unlike running, lunged is a ___ and sudden movement in one direction.
4.In exercise, lunged movements usually involve stepping ___ and bending the knees.
5.He lunged ___ the ball just before it hit the ground.
6.When someone lunges, they often do it ___ to surprise or catch someone.
7.The boxer lunged ___ his opponent to try to land a punch quickly.