launch vs set in motion

launch is a noun but set in motion is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
launch	Yes	No	Yes	No
set in motion	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, set in motion is a hypernym of launch; that is, set in motion is a word with a broader meaning than launch:

Other hypernyms of launch include launch.

As verbs, launch and set in motion are synonyms defined as:

launch (noun)	set in motion (noun)
the act of propelling with force
a motorboat with an open deck or a half deck

launch (verb)	set in motion (verb)
begin with vigor	get going; give impetus to
propel with force
launch for the first time; launch on a maiden voyage
get going; give impetus to
smoothen the surface of
set up or found