crash dive

¹

noun

1. a rapid dive by a submarine made at a steep angle, especially to avoid attack from a surface vessel or airplane.

crash-dive

²

[ krash-dahyv, -dahyv ]

verb (used with or without object)

, crash-dived or crash-dove, crash-dived, crash-div·ing.

1. to dive rapidly at a steep angle.

crash dive

noun

1. a sudden steep dive from the surface by a submarine

verb

1. (usually of an aircraft) to descend steeply and rapidly, before hitting the ground
2. to perform or cause to perform a crash dive

Word History and Origins

Origin of crash dive¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of crash dive²

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

In the morning, a plane was sighted; an immediate crash dive was ordered, but the ship did not descend far enough, fast enough.

From Seattle Times

Though bee populations are in a catastrophic crash dive across the world, threatening agriculture everywhere, there are some things people can do locally to help protect bee populations in Alaska, Lawless said.

From Washington Times

He turned—gazed, jumped back, and pushed the button for a crash dive.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a performance is called a "crash dive."

From Project Gutenberg