catapult

[kat-uh-puhlt, -poolt]

noun

1. an ancient military engine for hurling stones, arrows, etc.

2. a device for launching an airplane from the deck of a ship.

3. British.,  a slingshot.

verb (used with object)

1. to hurl from a catapult.

2. to thrust or move quickly or suddenly.

   His brilliant performance in the play catapulted him to stardom.

   Synonyms: shoot, pitch, propel, fling, throw

3. British.

   1. to hurl (a missile) from a slingshot.

   2. to hit (an object) with a missile from a slingshot.

verb (used without object)

1. to be catapulted.

2. to move or spring up suddenly, quickly, or forcibly, as if by means of a catapult.

   The car catapulted down the highway. When he heard the alarm he catapulted out of bed.

catapult

/ ˈkætəˌpʌlt /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: slingshot. a Y-shaped implement with a loop of elastic fastened to the ends of the two prongs, used mainly by children for shooting small stones, etc

2. a heavy war engine used formerly for hurling stones, etc

3. a device installed in warships to launch aircraft

verb

1. (tr) to shoot forth from or as if from a catapult

2. to move precipitately

   she was catapulted to stardom overnight

Other Word Forms

• catapultic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of catapult¹

1570–80; < Latin catapulta < Greek katapéltēs, equivalent to kata- cata- + péltēs hurler, akin to pállein to hurl

Word History and Origins

Origin of catapult¹

C16: from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapeltēs, from kata- down + pallein to hurl

Example Sentences

Terra Innovatum’s management believes it has several advantages that will catapult it to the front of a very crowded pack of advanced nuclear companies.

Read more on Barron's

His work with Swift on “Red,” “1989” and “Reputation” helped catapult her into pop’s upper echelon.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With four words—“What hath God wrought!”—sent over the first working electric telegraph wire in 1844, Samuel Morse helped change the status quo, and helped catapult New York into a leading position.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Not since the inflationary shock of 1979 has gold catapulted so much higher in a year.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Campaigners want to ban the sale of catapults to under 18s, as young people are inflicting wildlife, animals and people with devastating injuries.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• slingshot