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Glite Dictionary
kamikaze dive

kamikaze dive

1 9.8
An extremely dangerous jump into something that risks your life
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑːmɪˌkɑːzeɪ daɪv/
: salto kamikaze
  • With adrenaline pumping, she took a kamikaze dive off the cliff, plunging into the ocean waves.

Examples

  • Once all the rats are in the water, Saba kamikaze dives into the cable, slicing it open with an eruption of sparks.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • He sees a Tengu making a kamikaze dive toward Kimberly.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Ivan/Colossus makes a kamikaze dive straight for Megazord.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • The pilot executed a kamikaze dive toward the enemy ship, demonstrating incredible bravery.

  • During the stunt show, the performer made a breathtaking kamikaze dive from a high platform into the water below.

Synonyms

dive
vskamikaze dive
97 1.0

A headfirst jump into water from a high board

is riskier and done with little concern for personal safety
plunge
vskamikaze dive
9 4.0

A quick swim in water to feel refreshed

is more dangerous and shows disregard for personal safety rather than refreshment

How Reckless

kamikaze dive
1 9.8
dive
97 1.0

Surface Forms

kamikaze dive singular
kamikaze dives plural

Morphology

kamikaze + dive

The meaning is directly compositional: 'kamikaze' (recklessly self‑destructive) modifies 'dive' (a plunge), so the phrase literally denotes a reckless or self‑dangerous plunge. Although 'kamikaze' has a historical/cultural origin, its adjectival sense is commonly used and the combined meaning is straightforward for a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Kamikaze dive comes from the image of kamikaze pilots who purposely crashed their planes into enemy ships, making a deadly, full-speed dive. So today, kamikaze dive means a 'reckless' or very dangerous plunge with little care for safety.