liftoff

• lift-off

Deverbal from lift off.

liftoff (plural liftoffs)

1. (aerospace) The point in the launch of a rocket or an aircraft where it leaves contact with the ground.

   we have liftoff [in narration of launches]

2. The point at which a person or animal leaves the ground, as for example when jumping.
   • 2011, Robert Strauss, Daddy's Little Goalie, page 53:

     As she was on her approach to the hoop, taking that first Jordanesque liftoff step, her mouth guard fell floorward. Undeterred, she kept going up with the ball in her right hand.

3. (figurative) The point of launching into success or action.
   • 2024 March 10, David Hytner, “Doku involved at both ends as Liverpool and Manchester City share spoils”, in The Guardian‎:

     Ederson was booked and received lengthy treatment, meaning that Mac Allister had to wait and wait. His penalty, though, bristled with assurance. Liverpool had liftoff. The home crowd sensed that this was their moment.

• takeoff

• touchdown
• splashdown