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Glite Dictionary
kamikaze dive

kamikaze dive

9.8
An extremely dangerous jump into something that risks your life
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑːmɪˌkɑːzeɪ daɪv/
translation icon : 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
104 1.0

A headfirst jump into water from a high board

is riskier and done with little concern for personal safety
plunge
vskamikaze dive
22 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
9.8
dive
104 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.