catapult
catapult Lexical Profile
catapult Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To move or thrust quickly and suddenly into a new position or state, especially into prominence or success.
"Her viral online performance catapulted her to international stardom almost overnight."
To hurl, launch, or shoot forcefully in a specified direction.
"The sudden impact of the collision catapulted the driver from the vehicle."
• noun
A large ancient or medieval military machine designed to hurl heavy stones, arrows, or other projectiles over long distances.
"The ancient army constructed a massive catapult to breach the fortress walls during the protracted siege."
British A small, hand-held device with an elastic band used for shooting small projectiles.
"The young boy aimed his catapult at the empty tin cans lined up on the garden fence."
A mechanical device used for launching aircraft at high speed from the deck of a naval carrier ship.
"The steam catapult rapidly accelerated the jet fighter, allowing it to take off from the short runway of the aircraft carrier."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'catapult' commonly refers to a small hand-held slingshot, whereas in North American English it almost exclusively denotes a large ancient siege weapon or a heavy mechanical launching device.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'catapulta', borrowed from Ancient Greek 'katapeltēs', which is derived from 'kata-' (down, against) and 'pallein' (to toss, hurl, or brandish).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.