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. 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 US and Canadian nameslingshot
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. foll byover, into, etc to move precipitately

   she was catapulted to stardom overnight

Other Words From

• cata·pultic 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

Adam Kovacevich was representing big tech back when big tech was still mostly-celebrated as a catapult to America’s innovative economic future.

From Digiday

The Tatmadaw is a twisted and archaic Goliath and, despite their lack of firepower I do believe that this time the Burmese people—who, like David, are literally armed with catapults—will win and topple the dictatorship once and for all.

From Time

The Bucks tried to take a battering ram to the wall their opponents built around the basket in those two series, only to end up settling for a catapult instead.

From FiveThirtyEight

The 522 snap-together parts in Ubtech’s Jimu Competitive Series ChampBot Kit combine to create three different configurations, including this catapult.

From Popular-Science

You might not be able to toss huge stones, but you can build a catapult to throw a marshmallow or two.

From Science News For Students

We had live chickens and I was trying to shoot them from a real-life catapult into painted green pigs in boxes.

From The Daily Beast

But it was enough to catapult Davis into the national spotlight and raise immediate speculation about statewide office.

From The Daily Beast

But then you find yourself with the revenue to purchase that catapult you've been wanting.

From The Daily Beast

You think that this tragedy has given you an opportunity to catapult you [sic] dinky blog and newspaper to new heights.

From The Daily Beast

Then, the German loan would catapult him to ignominy, not fame.

From The Daily Beast

They had rigged up a rude catapult from some lumber and ropes.

From Project Gutenberg

Poof—crack—bang, went off another explosion; and up bounced Old Hellyer, as if a catapult had been applied below his seat.

From Project Gutenberg

Through they went and half-way across the bridge before they could check their monster catapult.

From Project Gutenberg

The throng of pirates had cleared away from the great wooden catapult, leaving two of their number to discharge it.

From Project Gutenberg

A stone from a catapult in the tower came whizzing and struck his head with a mournful crash.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• slingshot