catapult
an ancient military engine for hurling stones, arrows, etc.
a device for launching an airplane from the deck of a ship.
British. a slingshot.
to hurl from a catapult.
to thrust or move quickly or suddenly: His brilliant performance in the play catapulted him to stardom.
British.
to hurl (a missile) from a slingshot.
to hit (an object) with a missile from a slingshot.
to be catapulted.
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.
Origin of catapult
1Other words for catapult
Other words from catapult
- cat·a·pul·tic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use catapult in a sentence
It is a linguistic wish for the same kind of campaign that catapulted Barack Obama forward from the caucuses.
The Coronation That Wants to Be a Movement: Scenes From Hillary’s Iowa Steak Fry | Ana Marie Cox | September 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTDuke Ellington, for instance, who really catapulted to fame late in 1927.
Once 2007 rolled along, Kardashian's Ray J sex tape catapulted her to fame, helping her eclipse her former employer.
Kim Kardashian’s Days as Paris Hilton’s Lowly Assistant | Amy Zimmerman | May 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHis daredevil talent catapulted him to global fame as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.
Formula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher In Coma After Ski Accident | Barbie Latza Nadeau | December 30, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTA number of passengers had been catapulted through the windows, in one instance with tragic results.
Amazing Grace in the Bronx: Inside the Metro-North Train-Wreck Rescue | Michael Daly | December 2, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Braceway struck the arm of his chair and catapulted himself into a standing position.
The Winning Clue | James Hay, Jr.In growing bewilderment, Captain Higgins ordered a plane catapulted into the air, to search the surrounding sea.
The Lost Warship | Robert Moore WilliamsBefore dawn, Captain Higgins ordered another catapulted into the sky, to search the surrounding area.
The Lost Warship | Robert Moore WilliamsBefore Nap's worried eyes, a little swish of white catapulted over the plate.
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High | Leslie W. QuirkAs he did so, a man catapulted down the stairs, and rushed for the gate.
Connie Morgan in the Lumber Camps | James B. Hendryx
British Dictionary definitions for catapult
/ (ˈkætəˌpʌlt) /
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 name: slingshot
a heavy war engine used formerly for hurling stones, etc
a device installed in warships to launch aircraft
(tr) to shoot forth from or as if from a catapult
(foll by over, into, etc) to move precipitately: she was catapulted to stardom overnight
Origin of catapult
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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